Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Suffolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Suffolk Stands

Suffolk, VA, presents a unique value proposition for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). It’s a city of contrasts: a historic downtown with a small-town feel, surrounded by the sprawling military and shipbuilding economies of Hampton Roads. For an LPN, this means a stable cost of living paired with steady, if not explosive, job growth.

The median salary for an LPN in Suffolk is $54,193 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.05. This figure is just slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, a common trend for many healthcare roles in the Mid-Atlantic region outside of major metropolitan hubs like Northern Virginia or D.C. The job market in the metro area supports 201 LPN positions, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest but stable 5%. This isn't a boomtown for nursing, but it offers consistent demand, especially in long-term care and home health.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown (Suffolk, VA)

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$53,000 - $58,000
Senior-Level	8-14 years	$59,000 - $64,000
Expert	15+ years	$65,000 - $72,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on regional data and the provided median. Specialized certifications (e.g., wound care, IV therapy) can push you toward the higher end.

When you compare Suffolk to other Virginia cities, the picture becomes clearer:

• Richmond: Median LPN salary is higher (closer to $57,000), but the cost of living—especially housing—is significantly steeper.
• Norfolk/Virginia Beach: Salaries are comparable to Suffolk ($54,000 - $56,000), but traffic congestion and a higher cost of living, particularly in prime coastal areas, are major factors.
• Roanoke or Lynchburg: Salaries are often lower (around $50,000 - $52,000), but the cost of living is also more affordable. Suffolk sits in a middle ground.

Insider Tip: Suffolk’s proximity to Chesapeake and Virginia Beach creates a larger, interconnected job market. Many LPNs commute 20-30 minutes for higher-paying roles at the major hospital systems in those cities while enjoying Suffolk’s lower rent. Don’t limit your job search to the city limits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $54,193 translates to approximately $4,516 per month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect take-home pay to drop to roughly $3,400 - $3,500 per month.

Suffolk’s average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,287/month. This is a critical data point. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary LPN)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,450	After taxes (approx.)
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	Average for a safe, decent area
Utilities	$180	Electric, water, internet, phone
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Suffolk; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350	Household of one
Healthcare (Insurance)	$200	Premiums & copays
Student Loans	$200	Varies widely
Discretionary	$783	Savings, entertainment, eating out

This budget leaves about $783 for savings, debt, or fun. It’s manageable but tight. The Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (US avg = 100) means Suffolk is about 2.6% cheaper than the national average, but housing is the primary driver.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $54,193 salary, it’s challenging but possible with discipline and the right program. The median home price in Suffolk is around $300,000. With a 5% down payment ($15,000), you’d be financing $285,000. At today’s interest rates, your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,800/month, which is over 50% of your gross pay. This is not recommended by financial standards.

Insider Tip: Many LPNs in the area use the Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program, which offers forgivable loans to first-time homebuyers with incomes under certain limits. A $54,193 salary qualifies for many of these programs. It’s the most viable path to homeownership in Suffolk on this income.

Where the Jobs Are: Suffolk's Major Employers

Suffolk’s healthcare landscape is dominated by long-term care, home health, and a single, significant hospital. The 201 jobs in the metro area are spread across these key employers:

1. Sentara Obici Hospital: The cornerstone of healthcare in Suffolk. Part of the massive Sentara Healthcare system, this 220-bed hospital offers LPN roles in med-surg, rehab, and same-day surgery. Hiring is steady, and internal mobility to other Sentara facilities in Hampton Roads is a major perk. They often offer sign-on bonuses for night/weekend shifts.

2. Lake Francis Case (LFC) State Park Area Facilities: While not a traditional employer, the rural, aging population in the southwestern part of Suffolk (around Driver and Carrsville) relies heavily on home health agencies. Agencies like SunCrest Home Health and Visiting Nurse Association of Virginia frequently post jobs for LPNs to serve this Medicaid-heavy population.

3. Nansemond Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center: A large, corporate-owned skilled nursing facility (SNF) with over 120 beds. It’s a major employer for LPNs in geriatric and rehab care. Turnover can be high, making it a frequent hiring site. The pace is fast, but the experience is valuable.

4. The Gardens at Chuckatuck: A smaller, privately-owned assisted living and memory care community on the northern side of Suffolk. It offers a more intimate setting and is known for better staff-to-resident ratios. LPNs here often act as unit coordinators. Hiring is less frequent but more selective.

5. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) – Suffolk Clinic: CHKD operates a pediatric primary care clinic in the Hutchinson’s Creek area. This is a niche opportunity for LPNs interested in pediatrics. The hours are typically weekday 8-5, a major lifestyle benefit.

6. Private Duty Agencies: Companies like Comfort Keepers and Assisting Hands serve the affluent, aging population in neighborhoods like Cedar Point and Sleepy Hole. These roles offer one-on-one care, often in private homes, with more flexible scheduling but fewer benefits.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in long-term care (SNF/ALF) and home health. Hospital jobs at Obici are competitive; having a few years of experience and a clean record is essential. The 5% growth aligns with the aging population trend, not new hospital development.

Getting Licensed in VA

The Virginia Board of Nursing is your gateway. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from a state-approved LPN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Submit a complete application to the Virginia Board, including a fingerprint-based background check.
4. Pay all required fees.

Timeline & Costs (Estimates):

• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE).
• Virginia Application Fee: $175 (includes initial licensing).
• Fingerprinting & Background Check: ~$50-$75 through a vendor like IdentoGO.
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: ~$425 - $450.

The timeline can vary. After you graduate, you must apply for authorization to test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT, you can schedule the NCLEX. After passing, your Virginia license is typically issued within 2-4 weeks. Plan for a total process of 2-3 months from graduation to holding a license.

For Out-of-State Nurses: Virginia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like NC, FL, or TX), you can work in Virginia immediately without applying for a new license. If you hold a single-state license, you must apply for endorsement, which involves a similar process and cost but may require verification of your original license.

Insider Tip: The Virginia Board of Nursing website is your bible. Check it often. Delays often occur due to incomplete applications or background check issues. Start the process before you move to Suffolk.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Suffolk is vast—larger than some states. Your commute and lifestyle will depend heavily on where you live.

1. North Suffolk (Hutchinson’s Creek/Obici Area):

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to Sentara Obici Hospital. Easy access to I-664 for jobs in Chesapeake.
   • Lifestyle: Modern, suburban. Newer apartment complexes, shopping centers (Kroger, Target), and the popular Sleepy Hole Park. It’s convenient but lacks historic charm.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.

2. Old Town Suffolk:

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most employers. Can be congested during rush hour.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable, historic, full of character with local restaurants, coffee shops, and the Peanut Factory. Ideal if you want a community feel without a big-city vibe. Parking can be an issue.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month for a smaller 1BR or studio in an older building.

3. Downtown (Main Street) / Downtown Suffolk:

   • Commute: Similar to Old Town, but more central.
   • Lifestyle: A blend of historic and modern. Close to the farmer’s market and local events. It’s a quieter, more residential downtown feel compared to larger cities.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350/month.

4. South Suffolk (Carrsville/Driver):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Obici, 45+ minutes to Norfolk/VB hospitals. This is a true rural commute.
   • Lifestyle: Very quiet, rural, and affordable. You get more space and lower rent, but you’re further from amenities and nightlife. Great if you want a peaceful, country-like setting.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100/month for a 1BR or small house.

5. Western Suffolk (Whaleyville/Portsmouth Blvd Corridor):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Obici, 20-30 minutes to Chesapeake General Hospital.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older subdivisions and new developments. Close to the American Legion Building and community parks. More affordable than North Suffolk.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250/month.

Insider Tip: If you work at Sentara Obici, North Suffolk is the clear winner for minimizing commute. If you work in home health or at a SNF in the southern part of the city, South Suffolk or Whaleyville offers significant cost savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% job growth over 10 years indicates that advancement must come from specialization, not just new positions. An LPN in Suffolk has several paths to increase income and responsibility.

Specialty Premiums:

• IV Therapy Certification: A huge plus in hospital settings (Obici) and some home health roles. Can add $1-$2/hour.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): Highly valued in SNFs and home health, especially with the area’s aging population. Can boost salary by $2-$3/hour.
• Gerontology or Dementia Care: Specializing in memory care makes you a candidate for roles in Assisted Living, which often pay more and have better staffing ratios.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead LPN / Unit Coordinator: In SNFs and some hospital units, experienced LPNs can take on supervisory roles, managing other LPNs and CNAs. This comes with a pay bump and more administrative duties.
2. Transition to RN: Many LPNs use Suffolk’s community colleges (like Paul D. Camp Community College in nearby Franklin or Tidewater Community College in Chesapeake) to bridge to an RN. This is the most direct path to a higher salary ($65,000+ in the region) and expanded scope of practice.
3. Case Management (in Home Health): With experience, LPNs can move into case management roles for home health agencies, coordinating care for multiple patients. This is more desk-based and often salaried.
4. Educator/Clinical Instructor: LPNs with 3-5 years of experience can sometimes work as clinical instructors for local LPN programs, teaching the next generation.

10-Year Outlook: The need for LPNs in geriatric care will remain strong due to the aging population in Suffolk’s rural and suburban areas. The key to long-term growth is to specialize and consider the RN bridge to avoid salary stagnation. The $54,193 median is a starting point; with the right certifications and moves, you can push into the $60,000+ range within 5-7 years.

The Verdict: Is Suffolk Right for You?

Suffolk is a pragmatic choice for LPNs. It’s not the most exciting city, but it’s stable, affordable, and offers a manageable lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who prioritize a lower cost of living and a shorter commute over a bustling urban environment.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: You can live comfortably on a $54,193 salary if you budget wisely.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture: It’s a quiet city; you’ll need to drive to Norfolk/VB for big concerts or museums.
Commute: North Suffolk offers a 10-minute commute to the major employer (Obici).	Job Market Saturation: With only 201 jobs in the metro, competition for hospital roles can be stiff.
Housing Options: From historic lofts to suburban apartments, there’s variety at different price points.	Public Transit: Almost non-existent. A reliable car is a necessity.
Proximity to Hampton Roads: Easy access to a larger job market and entertainment in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and VB.	Growth is Slow: The 5% job growth is steady but not explosive. Career advancement requires proactive specialization.

Final Recommendation: Suffolk is an excellent fit for LPNs who are first-time homebuyers, value a short commute, and prefer a quieter lifestyle. It’s particularly well-suited for those specializing in geriatric care. If you’re a new grad, it’s a solid place to get your start, but be prepared to look at jobs in neighboring cities as well. If you crave the energy of a major metro, you may find Suffolk too subdued.

FAQs

1. What is the most common LPN job in Suffolk?
The most common roles are in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health care. Sentara Obici Hospital is the largest single employer, but there are more LPN openings in long-term care due to higher turnover and the nature of the work.

2. How competitive are hospital jobs at Sentara Obici?
Very competitive. They receive many applications. To stand out, you need a clean background, solid references, and ideally 1-2 years of experience. New grads may need to start in a SNF or home health and then transfer internally after gaining experience.

3. Is it worth it to commute from Suffolk to Norfolk for a higher salary?
It depends. A higher salary in Norfolk might be offset by higher rent and tolls (HRBT/MLK Freeway). However, if you land a night shift job, the commute is easier, and the pay differential can be significant. Calculate the net gain after all expenses.

4. Are there opportunities for LPNs in pediatrics?
Yes, but they are niche. The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) clinic in Suffolk is the primary employer. For more pediatric roles, you’d need to commute to the CHKD main hospital in Norfolk.

5. What’s the best way to find a job in Suffolk?
Check the Virginia Workforce Connection website for local postings. Network on LinkedIn with other LPNs in the Hampton Roads area. Many employers, especially SNFs, post directly on their own websites. Do not rely