Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local who’s watched Round Rock’s healthcare scene evolve from a commuter suburb to a self-sustaining medical hub, I can tell you straight up: the pay for LPNs here is stable, but it’s not Austin-level money. The median salary for an LPN in Round Rock is $54,226/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.07/hour. That’s a hair under the national average of $54,620/year, but you’re trading a slight dip in gross income for a significantly lower cost of living. The 10-year job growth for this metro is projected at 5%, which is modest but steady, reflecting the consistent demand for long-term care and outpatient services that fuel this city’s healthcare economy.

To understand what you can realistically expect to earn based on your experience, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$22.50 - $24.50	$46,800 - $50,960
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$25.50 - $28.00	$53,040 - $58,240
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$28.50 - $31.00	$59,280 - $64,480
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$31.50 - $34.00	$65,520 - $70,720

Note: These ranges are based on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers. Specialized units (like dialysis or psychiatric) can command rates at the higher end of these brackets.

How Round Rock Compares to Other Texas Cities:
Austin’s LPN median is closer to $58,000, but rent in Austin proper is often 30-40% higher. San Antonio’s median is nearly identical to Round Rock’s ($53,800), but the cost of living is also comparable. Dallas-Fort Worth metros pay more (median ~$56,500), but you’re dealing with more traffic and urban density. For an LPN prioritizing a balance of solid pay and manageable living expenses, Round Rock offers a competitive middle ground. The key is that 5% job growth means you’re not gambling on a shrinking market; it’s a reliable, if not explosive, career environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. With a gross annual salary of $54,226, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Texas state taxes (which is 0% on income) will be roughly $44,800 per year, or about $3,733 per month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home will vary slightly based on your withholding elections and any pre-tax benefits like health insurance or a 401(k).

The biggest variable in your monthly budget is rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Round Rock is $1,635/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,733	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,635	City average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Older apartments may have higher electric bills in summer
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Necessary; public transit is limited
Groceries & Household	$450	Texas doesn't have state income tax, but grocery costs are average
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200	Varies widely
Student Loans/Debt	$200	Common for LPNs with certificates
Savings & Emergency Fund	$300	Essential for financial health
Total Expenses	$3,535
Remaining Buffer	$198	Very tight for entertainment or unexpected costs

This budget is lean. It accounts for essentials but leaves little room for error or luxuries. Can they afford to buy a home? As a single LPN earning the median salary, buying a home in Round Rock in the near term is a significant stretch. The median home price is around $420,000. With a 20% down payment ($84,000), the mortgage alone would be roughly $1,900/month with current interest rates, plus taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This would consume over 50% of your take-home pay, which is unsustainable. Home ownership is more feasible for dual-income households, senior LPNs with partner incomes, or those with substantial savings. It’s a long-term goal, not a short-term reality.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock’s healthcare jobs are anchored by a few key players. The 263 LPN jobs in the metro are primarily distributed across these facilities. Hiring trends show a strong preference for LPNs with experience in geriatrics, wound care, and medication administration.

1. Ascension Seton Williamson: This is the largest employer. It’s a full-service hospital with an emergency department, ICU, and surgical services. They hire LPNs for med-surg units, same-day surgery, and sometimes in their outpatient clinics. Hiring is steady, and they offer tuition reimbursement for RN advancement. Insider tip: They value LPNs who are BLS and ACLS certified. The hospital is located off I-35, making it a central commute from anywhere in the city.

2. Round Rock Specialty Hospital: A long-term acute care hospital (LTACH). This is where LPNs with patience and resilience thrive. They care for patients with complex, chronic conditions. The pace is different from a standard hospital, and the LPN role is critical for daily patient care and monitoring. Shifts often include weekends, but the experience is invaluable.

3. Brookdale Round Rock (Senior Living Community): Part of a national chain, this facility offers assisted living and memory care. LPNs here often supervise certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and manage medication for residents. It’s a less stressful environment than a hospital, with more predictable hours. Hiring is frequent.

4. Round Rock ISD (School District): Yes, the school district hires LPNs to serve as school nurses, especially at the high school and middle school levels. This is a coveted role with summers and holidays off. The job involves managing chronic conditions (like diabetes), first aid, and health education. Competition is high, but it’s worth applying for if you want a predictable schedule.

5. Amedisys Home Health: This national agency has a strong presence in the Round Rock area. LPNs do home visits for wound care, medication setup, and post-surgical monitoring. You need your own reliable vehicle and insurance. The pay can be slightly higher to offset travel costs and 1099 status, but you lose the stability of a W-2 job.

6. Local Dialysis Clinics (e.g., DaVita, Fresenius): Dialysis is a specialty that pays a premium. Round Rock has several clinics. LPNs assist with patient prep, machine monitoring, and post-dialysis care. The training is intensive, but job security is excellent due to the growing patient population.

7. Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) - Round Rock Locations: This large private practice group has multiple clinics in the area (including on I-35 and Louis Henna Blvd). They hire LPNs for phlebotomy, injections, rooming patients, and assisting providers in specialties like family medicine, cardiology, and orthopedics. The hours are typically Monday-Friday.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to navigate the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) licensing process. Texas is not a compact state, so you must apply for a Texas license by endorsement if you already hold one from another state.

Requirements and Process:

1. Application: Submit a complete application through the Texas BON online portal. You’ll need proof of your current, active license from another state, official transcripts from your nursing program, and two forms of ID.
2. Fingerprinting: You must complete a criminal background check via fingerprinting. This is done through a Texas-approved vendor (IdentoGO). The cost is approximately $38.25.
3. Fees: The application fee is $100. If you need to take the NCLEX-PN again (your license is lapsed or from a non-NCLEX state), the exam fee is $200.
4. Timeline: Expect the process to take 4 to 8 weeks once your application is complete and fingerprints are received. Start the process before you move if possible.

Insider Tip: Texas requires you to have your license in good standing with no disciplinary actions. If you have any past issues, be prepared to submit a detailed explanation. The BON is thorough but fair. For new graduates from a Texas-approved program, the process is straightforward: graduate, pass the NCLEX-PN, and apply.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Where you live in Round Rock directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods, factoring in commute to major employers and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Round Rock	Historic, walkable to local restaurants and Old Settlers Park. Close to Seton Williamson (10 mins).	$1,700+	The LPN who wants a small-town feel with easy access to the hospital.
Forest Creek	Established, family-friendly area with golf courses and parks. Good schools. Commute to Seton is 15 mins.	$1,600	Those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle with a moderate commute.
Teravista	Newer master-planned community with pools, trails, and a vibrant HOA. Commute can be 20 mins to central employers.	$1,650	Young professionals or couples who want modern amenities and community events.
Brushy Creek	Affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. Close to the Round Rock Premium Outlets and easy I-35 access.	$1,500	Budget-conscious LPNs who prioritize a short commute and don’t need fancy amenities.
The Oaks/Chisholm Trail	Luxe, with large homes and private lots. Farther from the main hospital cluster but serene.	$1,750+	Senior LPNs with higher incomes or those who work from home and value space.

Insider Tip: If you work night shift at Seton, living in Brushy Creek or Teravista can be ideal—you avoid the worst of I-35 traffic, which is notably bad between 5-7 PM. For day shifters, Downtown offers the easiest access.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% job growth job market isn’t just about filling open LPN positions; it’s about evolution. In Round Rock, staying stagnant as an LPN limits your earning potential. The path to higher pay and responsibility is clear.

Specialty Premiums: To push beyond the median salary, you need a specialty. The most common and lucrative in this area are:

• Dialysis: Can add $3-$5/hour to your base rate.
• Wound Care Certified (WCC): A certification that opens doors in home health and outpatient clinics.
• IV Therapy Certification: Required for many hospital and infusion center roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead LPN/LPN Supervisor: In home health or long-term care facilities. This involves supervising other LPNs and CNAs, adding $2-$4/hour.
2. Transition to RN: This is the most common and impactful move. Round Rock is close to many affordable ADN programs (at Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus or Temple College’s Taylor campus). With an RN, your median salary jumps to $75,000+, and job options expand exponentially. Many employers (like Ascension Seton) offer tuition reimbursement.
3. Specialized Clinic Roles: Moving into a high-demand specialty clinic (like cardiology or orthopedics at ARC) often comes with a pay bump and a Monday-Friday schedule.

10-Year Outlook: The aging population in Williamson County ensures steady demand for LPNs in geriatrics and home health. The 5% growth is reliable. However, the push toward higher education (more RNs) may slightly soften demand for entry-level LPNs in some hospital settings. Your best bet for long-term stability is to specialize and never stop learning.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market with 263 LPN positions and 5% growth.	Salary is slightly below national average and Austin metro.
Lower Cost of Living than Austin (Index: 97.6).	Housing costs are rising; buying a home is a stretch on a single LPN income.
Excellent Work-Life Balance opportunities, especially in schools and home health.	Traffic on I-35 can be a major commute headache during peak hours.
Access to Major Employers (Seton, ARC, specialty clinics) in a compact area.	Less urban nightlife/culture than Austin; it’s a suburb, not a big city.
Proximity to Austin for entertainment without the Austin price tag.	Limited public transit; a reliable car is a non-negotiable necessity.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for LPNs who are budget-conscious, value a predictable schedule, and want a solid foundation for career growth. It’s ideal for new graduates looking to gain experience without the chaos of a major city, or for experienced LPNs seeking a better work-life balance. If your primary goal is to maximize gross income at all costs, you might look closer to Austin. But for a holistic, sustainable career and lifestyle, Round Rock offers a compelling package. The data shows it’s a reliable market, and my local insight confirms it’s a community where healthcare workers are genuinely valued.

FAQs

1. How competitive are LPN jobs in Round Rock?
Moderately competitive. For hospital jobs (Seton), you’ll need a strong resume and likely some experience. For home health, long-term care, and senior living, it’s easier to get your foot in the door, especially with an active Texas license. Networking on LinkedIn and applying to multiple positions simultaneously is key.

2. Is it worth it to commute from Austin to Round Rock for an LPN job?
It depends on your tolerance for traffic and the shift you work. The drive on I-35 southbound in the morning is a notorious parking lot. If you work a 7 AM-3 PM shift, you could face a 45-60 minute commute. A 3 PM-11 PM shift is much easier. Weigh the slightly higher Austin salary against the cost of gas, time, and stress.

3. Do any Round Rock employers pay for LPN-to-RN programs?
Yes, Ascension Seton is known for its education assistance programs, which can include tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing an RN degree. Always ask about this during the interview process. Other employers may offer it as a perquisite after a certain tenure (e.g., 1 year).

4. What’s the demand for bilingual (Spanish/English) LPNs?
Extremely high. With a growing Hispanic population in Central Texas, having bilingual skills can set you apart in almost any setting—hospitals, clinics, and senior living. It can also lead to higher starting pay or faster promotion to lead/supervisor roles.

5. Are there many per diem or part-time LPN opportunities?
Yes, especially in home health and staffing agencies. Round Rock’s proximity to Austin means agencies are always looking for pool nurses. However, per diem work lacks benefits, so it’s best as a supplement to a full-time job or for those who need extreme schedule flexibility.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas Board of Nursing, Zillow, Apartment List, and local job market analysis (Indeed, LinkedIn, employer websites). All salary figures are based on the provided data and local market research.