Here is a complete career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Roswell, Georgia.

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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide: Roswell, GA

As a career analyst who has watched the Metro Atlanta nursing market for years, I can tell you that Roswell offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and career opportunity. It’s not the sprawling metropolis of Atlanta, but its proximity to the city core provides access to major healthcare systems while maintaining a more manageable cost of living. For an LPN, this means competitive pay without the brutal commute from the far-flung suburbs.

This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge. We’re going beyond the national averages to give you a realistic picture of what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

The first question everyone asks is about compensation. The Atlanta metro area is generally a strong market for healthcare workers, and Roswell sits right in the thick of it. The median salary for an LPN in Roswell is $54,767/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.33/hour. This is nearly identical to the national average of $54,620/year, meaning you aren’t taking a pay cut to live here. In fact, you’re likely earning a competitive wage for the region.

However, salary isn’t one-size-fits-all. Years of experience, specialty certifications, and the type of facility you work in will all influence your earnings.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	New grads, working in home health or long-term care. May start on the lower end in dialysis or rehab centers.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$54,767 (Median)	Solid experience, likely in a hospital (Northside or Piedmont) or a specialty clinic. This is the baseline for Roswell.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Specialized skills (e.g., wound care, IV certification), charge nurse roles, or moving into home health agency supervision.
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$68,000+	Case management, hospice, or regulatory roles. In Roswell's affluent areas, private duty nursing for high-net-worth families can be very lucrative.

Comparison to Other Georgia Cities

While Roswell’s median salary is strong, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other major hubs in the state.

City	Median Salary (LPN)	Job Market (Metro)	Cost of Living Index
Roswell	$54,767	183 Jobs	100.9
Atlanta	$53,500	3,500+ Jobs	105.0
Savannah	$49,200	220 Jobs	94.5
Columbus	$48,800	150 Jobs	87.0
Macon	$47,500	110 Jobs	85.2

Insider Tip: Atlanta’s raw salary might seem higher, but the cost of living and commute times are significantly worse. Roswell gives you access to Atlanta’s healthcare employers (like Emory or Grady) with a 30-45 minute commute, rather than a 90-minute one from the suburbs. The job growth here is steady, with a 10-year projection of 5%, which is reliable and sustainable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get to the bottom line: can you actually live comfortably in Roswell on an LPN salary? We’ll break it down for a single person earning the median salary of $54,767.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $4,564/month)

Category	Estimated Cost	Details
Taxes (Federal & State)	~$1,100	GA has a progressive tax (1-5.75%). This is a rough estimate for a single filer.
Take-Home Pay	~$3,464	Your net monthly income.
Rent (1BR)	$1,643	The Roswell average. This is the biggest expense.
Utilities	$200	Electric, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Roswell is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Commuting to hospitals or home health visits.
Groceries	$400	Moderate budget for one person.
Healthcare (Insurance)	$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$200	Entertainment, personal care, savings.
Total Expenses	$3,293
Remaining	$171

The Verdict: It’s doable, but tight. The average 1BR rent of $1,643 consumes nearly half of your take-home pay. You will need to budget carefully. The Cost of Living Index of 100.9 (just above the US average of 100) confirms this. You’re not in a high-cost city, but you’re not in a cheap one either.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Roswell is over $500,000. On a single LPN salary of $54,767, purchasing a home in Roswell is extremely challenging. Lenders typically recommend your mortgage payment not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. For an LPN, that’s about $1,278/month. With current interest rates, that would cover a loan of roughly $200,000-$225,000, which is far below the market. Buying a home in Roswell as a single LPN is not realistic without a significant down payment, a dual income, or moving to a significantly smaller condo/townhome.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell’s healthcare job market is diverse. It’s not dominated by one single hospital system, which gives LPNs multiple options. The 183 jobs in the metro indicate a healthy, competitive market.

1. Northside Hospital Cherokee (in Canton, 15 min drive): A major trauma center and one of the busiest in the region. They hire LPNs for med-surg, orthopedics, and rehabilitation units. Hiring trend: Consistent, with a focus on experienced nurses for specialized floors.
2. Piedmont Roswell Hospital: A community-focused hospital with a strong reputation. They have LPN roles in the emergency department (as techs), outpatient surgery, and wound care. Hiring trend: Actively expanding their outpatient services, creating more 9-to-5 LPN positions.
3. Emory Healthcare (Multiple locations): While the main campuses are in Atlanta, Emory has outpatient clinics in Roswell and nearby Alpharetta. These are prime spots for LPNs who want hospital-level experience without the 24/7 shift work. Hiring trend: High demand for LPNs in infusion centers and specialty clinics (oncology, cardiology).
4. WellStar (North Fulton Hospital): Located just south of Roswell in Sandy Springs, this is another top-tier employer. Their LPN roles are often in perioperative services, pain management, and home health. Hiring trend: WellStar is aggressively growing its home health division, a perfect fit for LPNs.
5. Visiting Nurse Health System (Home Health): A major player in Georgia’s home health scene. They serve Roswell and its affluent neighborhoods. LPNs here do wound care, medication management, and patient education. Hiring trend: Massive growth. The aging population in North Atlanta suburbs is driving unprecedented demand for in-home care.
6. Northpoint Medical Associates: A large, multi-specialty private practice in the heart of Roswell. They have LPNs running the front desk, assisting with procedures, and managing patient flow. Hiring trend: Steady. Private practices offer a more predictable schedule, ideal for work-life balance.
7. Long-Term Care Facilities (e.g., Roswell Nursing & Rehabilitation): These facilities are always hiring. The work is demanding but provides steady hours and experience. Hiring trend: Constant need. Turnover can be high, but it’s a reliable entry point for new LPNs.

Getting Licensed in GA

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to get a Georgia LPN license. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Graduate from an Approved Program: You must have a diploma or certificate from a state-approved LPN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN: This is the national licensing exam. You must apply to take it through the Georgia Board of Nursing.
3. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement: If you’re already licensed in another state, you’ll apply for endorsement. You must have an active, unencumbered license. The Georgia Board of Nursing (www.sos.ga.gov) will verify your original license.
4. FBI Background Check: Georgia requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check. This is done through a vendor (Fieldprint) and costs around $50.
5. Fees: The application fee is $40, and the licensing fee is $100. Total state fees: $140. You may also need to pay for the NCLEX ($200) if you haven’t taken it yet.

Timeline to Get Started: From submitting your application to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order. It’s best to start the process 2-3 months before your planned move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)s

Where you live in Roswell will drastically affect your commute and lifestyle. Here are four areas to consider, with rent estimates.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Historic Roswell	Charming, walkable, close to downtown Roswell's shops and restaurants. Easy access to GA-400 for commutes to Northside or Piedmont.	$1,750 - $2,000
East Roswell	More suburban, family-oriented, with larger apartment complexes. A bit farther from the highway, but quieter. Good for those who don't mind a 10-min extra drive.	$1,550 - $1,750
Holly Springs	Just north of Roswell, this area is more affordable and has a strong community feel. Commute to Northside Cherokee is very short.	$1,450 - $1,650
** Crabapple (Alpharetta border)**	Upscale, newer developments. This is the priciest area. Best for LPNs with a partner or higher seniority salary.	$1,850 - $2,200

Insider Tip: If you work at Northside Cherokee, living in Holly Springs or East Roswell cuts your commute to under 15 minutes. If you work at Piedmont Roswell, Historic Roswell is ideal. Avoid the west side of Roswell (near the Cobb County line) if you work north, as the traffic on GA-120 can be punishing.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Georgia is a solid foundation, but to move up and increase your income, you’ll need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining an IV certification (through the GA Board) can add $2-$4/hour to your pay in many settings. A Wound Care Certification (WCC) is highly valued in home health and long-term care, often leading to case management roles. Hospice LPNs in the Roswell area can earn $60,000+ with experience.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have LPN career ladders (LPN I, II, III) with increasing responsibility and pay.
  2. Bridge to RN: This is the most common path. Many employers (like Northside) offer tuition reimbursement. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 2 years and can boost your salary by $15,000-$20,000 annually in the Atlanta area. Roswell is home to Georgia State University's Perimeter College and Chattahoochee Tech, both with strong ADN programs.
  3. Management/Supervision: With 5+ years of experience, you can become a Charge LPN in a nursing home or a supervisor in a home health agency.

10-Year Outlook: With a 5% job growth rate, Roswell’s LPN market is stable, not explosive. The real growth is in home health, hospice, and outpatient care due to the aging population and the shift away from inpatient stays. Specializing in these areas will make you highly marketable for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary: Median of $54,767 matches the national average.	High Rent: $1,643/month for a 1BR is a major budget strain.
Diverse Employers: Options from hospitals to home health to private practices.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car. Public transit is very limited.
Quality of Life: Safe, suburban, with great parks and a charming downtown.	Competitive Housing Market: Even renting is competitive; buying is out of reach for most LPNs.
Proximity to Atlanta: Access to big-city healthcare systems without the city chaos.	Traffic: The commute on GA-400 can be congested, especially during rush hour.
Steady Growth: A 5% 10-year job growth provides stability.	Limited Nightlife: It's a family-oriented suburb; if you want a buzzing nightlife, Atlanta is your best bet.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an excellent choice for a mid-career LPN who values a good work-life balance in a safe, comfortable suburb. It’s ideal if you have a partner or roommate to share housing costs. For a new graduate, the rent is a significant hurdle, making it more challenging unless you can find a lower-cost apartment in Holly Springs or share a place. If your priority is maximizing savings or owning a home quickly, you might look further north (Gainesville) or south (Macon). But if you want a stable career in a quality community with a manageable commute, Roswell is a top contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Roswell?
Yes, absolutely. The healthcare employers are spread out, and public transportation (MARTA) is very limited in Roswell. You will need a car to commute to work, run errands, and access different neighborhoods.

2. Which hospital is the best to work for as an LPN in the Roswell area?
It depends on your goals. Northside Hospital Cherokee is best for trauma and high-acuity experience. Piedmont Roswell offers a strong community hospital environment with good work-life balance. Emory clinics are top-tier for specialty experience and regular hours.

3. Can an LPN work in a hospital in Georgia?
Yes, but the role is more limited than an RN's. In Georgia hospitals, LPNs are commonly found in med-surg, rehab, long-term care units, and outpatient settings. They are rarely in critical care or EDs as primary nurses. Always check the job description for specific unit requirements.

4. How is the housing market for a single LPN?
Challenging. The median rent of $1,643 means you’ll spend nearly 50% of your take-home pay on rent alone. It’s crucial to budget for other expenses and consider roommates or living in slightly more affordable areas like Holly Springs to make the numbers work.

5. What is the biggest surprise for LPNs moving to Roswell?
The traffic. Even though it’s a suburb, the GA-400 corridor gets congested. A 10-mile commute can take 25 minutes during rush hour. Second, the social scene is quieter than Atlanta. You’ll drive into the city for major concerts or events, but Roswell’s downtown has excellent local restaurants and festivals.

Data sources for this guide include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Georgia Board of Nursing, Zillow for rental trends, and local job board analytics as of 2023-2024.