Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Redmond, WA

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that Redmond isn’t just the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" or the home of Microsoft. It's a rapidly growing healthcare hub with a unique set of opportunities and challenges for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The city’s dual identity—tech-driven and family-oriented—shapes its healthcare needs in a way that’s distinct from Seattle or Bellevue. If you’re an LPN considering a move here, this guide is your blueprint. We'll cut through the noise and look at the real numbers, the local employers, and the day-to-day realities of building a nursing career in this specific corner of King County.

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

Let's start with the most pressing question: what can you expect to earn? The data paints a clear, if slightly nuanced, picture. Redmond’s LPN salaries are solid, sitting comfortably above the national average, but they’re also shaped by the high cost of living in the Greater Seattle area.

The median salary for an LPN in Redmond is $56,750/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.28/hour. This is a crucial benchmark. It’s important to note that this figure represents the midpoint—half of all LPNs earn more, and half earn less. For context, the national average for an LPN is $54,620/year, so you’re already starting about $2,000 ahead just by being in this specific market. However, the cost of living here is about 13% higher than the national average (Cost of Living Index: 113.0), so that $2,000 premium gets absorbed quickly.

The job market itself is competitive but growing. There are approximately 160 LPN jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady. Much of the demand is driven by the aging population in the Eastside suburbs and the expansion of outpatient and home health services. You won’t find the sheer volume of openings you might in a major city like Chicago, but the quality of employers and the potential for specialized roles are high.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will climb with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market trends and state salary data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Redmond, WA)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$56,750 - $62,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$62,000 - $70,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$70,000 - $78,000+

Comparison to Other WA Cities

How does Redmond stack up against its neighbors? It’s a mid-tier market within the state.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Notes
Redmond	$56,750	113.0	Strong employers, high rent.
Seattle	$60,200	152.3	Highest pay, but extreme cost of living.
Bellevue	$57,500	165.1	Similar to Redmond, slightly higher pay.
Spokane	$51,200	93.2	Lower pay, but significantly cheaper to live.
Tacoma	$53,800	103.5	Good balance of pay and affordability.

Insider Tip: While Seattle and Bellevue offer higher nominal salaries, the commute from Redmond can be brutal. Many LPNs choose to work in Redmond and live in a more affordable neighboring community like Shoreline or Lynnwood to balance the equation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $56,750 salary sounds decent, but the real question is what you can afford. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for an LPN in Redmond. We’ll use the median salary of $56,750 and factor in the average 1BR rent of $1,864/month.

Assumptions: Single filer, using 2023 federal tax brackets, WA state tax (0%), FICA (7.65%), and an estimated 6% for state disability/other local deductions.

Monthly Budget Item	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,729	$56,750 / 12
Estimated Deductions (Taxes, FICA, etc.)	-$1,100	~23% of gross
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,629
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,864	51% of take-home pay
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Average for a 1BR apartment
Groceries & Household	-$400
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance)	-$400	Assumes a car is necessary
Health Insurance Premium	-$200	Employer-subsidized plan
Out-of-Pocket Medical/Personal	-$150
Savings/Debt/Discretionary	$415	Remaining balance

Analysis: The numbers are tight. With rent consuming over half your take-home pay, budgeting is critical. The "50/30/20" rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) is hard to achieve here. Your needs (rent, utilities, groceries, transport) will likely hit 65-70% of your income. You will need to be disciplined to save.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Short answer: Not on this salary alone, in Redmond itself. The median home price in Redmond is well over $1,000,000. A 20% down payment would be $200,000, and a mortgage payment would likely exceed $4,500/month—far beyond what a single LPN earning the median can afford. However, buying a condo in a nearby city like Kent or Renton, or saving aggressively with a dual-income household, is a more realistic long-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s healthcare employment scene is dominated by a mix of large hospital systems, specialized clinics, and a strong home health sector. Here are the key players where you should focus your job search:

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: This is the only full-service hospital in Redmond. It’s a Level II Trauma Center and a major employer. They have dedicated long-term care units, medical-surgical floors, and outpatient clinics where LPNs are vital. Hiring trends show a steady need for LPNs in their skilled nursing facility and ambulatory care settings. They offer tuition reimbursement, which is a huge perk for advancing your career.

2. EvergreenHealth (in nearby Kirkland): A short commute from Redmond, this public hospital district is a massive regional employer. Their flagship campus in Kirkland has a wide range of units. LPNs here often work in specialty areas like dialysis, behavioral health, and urgent care. Evergreen has a reputation for strong benefits and a collaborative work environment. The commute via SR-520 is manageable if you work off-peak hours.

3. Kaiser Permanente (Multiple Clinics): Kaiser has a major presence on the Eastside, with clinics in Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Their model heavily utilizes LPNs for care coordination, patient intake, and supporting RNs in primary care. These roles often offer more regular business hours (M-F, 8-5) and are less physically demanding than hospital floor work. The hiring process is competitive but offers excellent benefits and job stability.

4. Aging & Disability Services (ADS) - King County: This is a crucial public sector employer. ADS funds and oversees in-home care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. LPNs can find work with contracted agencies providing direct care, case management support, and health monitoring. This path offers a different pace and a deep sense of community impact. Jobs are often posted through the King County website and specific home health agencies.

5. Private Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), Interim HealthCare, and ComForCare have a strong operational presence in Redmond to serve the affluent aging population. These roles offer flexibility but require a reliable vehicle. Pay can be slightly lower than hospital jobs, but mileage reimbursement and flexible scheduling are major benefits. Hiring trends show high demand for LPNs willing to work in-home, especially for patients with complex needs.

6. Specialty Clinics & Surgery Centers: Redmond’s tech wealth has spurred a growth in private specialty clinics (orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology) and ambulatory surgery centers. These facilities are often looking for LPNs for pre-op and post-op care, patient education, and surgical assisting. The hours are predictable, and the environment is typically less chaotic than an ER.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised on big job boards. Join the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) and attend local networking events. Many Eastside healthcare professionals hire through word-of-mouth.

Getting Licensed in WA

If you’re licensed in another state, you must get a Washington license to work as an LPN here. The process is managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQA).

Key Steps & Costs:

1. Verify Your License: Ensure your current license is active and in good standing.
2. Application: Submit an application for licensure by endorsement through the DOH’s online portal. You’ll need to provide verification from your original licensing state.
3. Fees: The application fee is $205 (as of 2023). You may also need to pay a fingerprinting background check fee.
4. Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks once all documents are received. Start this process before you move or accept a job offer.

For New Graduates (from a WA LPN program):
You must pass the NCLEX-PN. The DOH will grant a temporary permit to work under supervision while you await your exam results.

Insider Tip: Washington is a compact nursing state (NLC), but LPNs are not part of the NLC. This means your LPN license from another compact state (like Oregon or Idaho) does NOT allow you to practice in Washington. You must go through the endorsement process.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live will drastically affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods both in and around Redmond.

Neighborhood/Vicinity	Vibe & Commute to Overlake	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Redmond	Walkable, urban feel. 5-15 min drive to Overlake.	$2,100 - $2,400	Those who want car-optional living and are near the action.
Education Hill	Quiet, residential, great schools. 10-20 min drive.	$1,900 - $2,200	Families or those seeking a suburban, community-focused life.
Juanita (Kirkland)	Lakefront access, charming village feel. 15-25 min commute.	$1,950 - $2,300	LPNs wanting a blend of nature and city amenities.
Sammamish (East)	Upscale, suburban, very family-oriented. 20-30 min drive.	$2,000 - $2,500	Those with a higher budget seeking top-tier schools and safety.
Shoreline (West)	More affordable, direct bus/train links. 25-40 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,750	Budget-conscious professionals willing to commute for savings.

Insider Tip: Traffic on SR-520 and I-405 is notorious. If you work a 7 AM or 3 PM shift, your commute can double. Living in Shoreline or Lynnwood and taking public transit (like the Sound Transit Express bus) can be less stressful than driving during peak hours.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Washington is a fantastic foundation, but the ceiling can be low without further education. Here’s how to think about your long-term career path in Redmond.

Specialty Premiums: While most LPN roles are paid on a standard scale, certain specialties can offer better schedules or experience that leads to higher pay:

• Dialysis: Requires specific training but is in high demand. Offers a stable, predictable schedule.
• Behavioral Health: Growing field with unique challenges. Experience here is highly valued.
• Home Health: Can lead to case management roles. Mileage reimbursement effectively increases your hourly rate.

Advancement Paths:

1. RN Bridge Program: This is the most common and impactful path. Community colleges like Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) in Kirkland offer accredited LPN-to-RN bridge programs. With an RN license, your salary potential jumps significantly (median RN salary in Redmond is ~$85,000+). This is the single best investment you can make in your career here.
2. Certified Medication Aide (CMA): For those in long-term care, becoming a CMA allows you to administer medications, increasing your responsibility and pay.
3. Specialty Certifications: While limited for LPNs, certifications in wound care or IV therapy (if your scope allows) can make you a more attractive candidate for specific roles.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is stable, not explosive. The key driver will be the continued need for elder care. The rise of telehealth may change some roles, but hands-on care will remain essential. LPNs who adapt to technology (electronic health records) and specialize in chronic disease management (diabetes, heart failure) will have the most job security. The push for all-RN staff in hospitals may limit long-term hospital roles for LPNs, making clinics and home health the most sustainable sectors for long-term growth.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Redmond offers a high-quality healthcare job market for LPNs, but it demands a strategic approach to finances and career planning.

Pros	Cons
Stable Employers: Overlake, Evergreen, and Kaiser offer job security.	High Cost of Living: Rent will consume a large portion of your income.
Specialized Opportunities: Access to tech-adjacent clinics and specialty care.	Competitive Market: You're competing with a highly skilled workforce.
Growth Potential: Clear pathways to RN and specialty certifications.	Limited Housing Affordability: Homeownership on a single LPN salary is nearly impossible in Redmond.
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with outdoor recreation access.	Traffic & Commute: Getting across the Eastside can be time-consuming.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for you if you are an LPN who values job stability, wants to work with top-tier employers, and has a clear plan to advance your education (i.e., pursue an RN bridge program). It’s ideal for those with a partner or roommate to share housing costs, or for those willing to live in a more affordable neighboring city and commute.

Think twice if you are a new LPN looking for the highest starting salary without a plan for advancement, or if you are on a single income and want to buy a home quickly. In those cases, a city with a lower cost of living like Spokane or Tacoma might offer a better balance of salary and lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Can I live comfortably in Redmond on an LPN salary?
You can live, but you’ll need to budget carefully. With rent at ~$1,864 for a 1BR, you’ll spend over 50% of your take-home pay on housing alone. Sharing an apartment or renting a room can make it much more comfortable. A car is a necessity, adding another $400-$600/month in costs. Prioritizing a roommate is the #1 financial tip for LPNs moving to Redmond.

2. Is it worth it to get my RN license in Washington?
Absolutely. The return on investment is very high. The median salary jump from $56,750 (LPN) to over $85,000 (RN) in the Redmond area will dramatically change your financial outlook and career options. Hospitals in the area (Overlake, Evergreen) have more RN positions with greater specialty opportunities. Bridge programs at LWTech or North Seattle College are well-regarded.

3. What’s the best way to find an LPN job in Redmond?
Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but supplement with local resources. Check the career pages of Overlake Medical Center, EvergreenHealth, and Kaiser Permanente directly. For home health, look at agency websites. Joining the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) provides access to a job board and networking opportunities. Many Eastside healthcare jobs are filled through internal referrals.

4. Do I need a car to be an LPN in Redmond?
Yes, for most roles. While Redmond has some bus routes, the healthcare employers are spread out. Overlake is not directly