Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Sunrise, FL

As a career analyst who has spent years mapping the healthcare job market in South Florida, I’ve watched Sunrise evolve from a sprawling suburban community into a significant medical hub. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), this city offers a unique blend of high-volume healthcare employment and a cost of living that, while above the national average, can be manageable with the right strategy. This guide is your data-driven, no-fluff roadmap to making an informed decision about launching or continuing your LPN career in Sunrise, Florida.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that directly impact your bottom line. In Sunrise, LPNs earn a median salary of $56,553/year, which breaks down to a very competitive $27.19/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this figure is slightly above the national average of $54,620/year. For a city with a Cost of Living Index of 111.8 (where the US average is 100), this premium is essential for a comfortable lifestyle.

The job market is active but specialized. There are approximately 193 LPN jobs listed in the Sunrise metro area, reflecting steady demand. The 10-year job growth projection is 5%, which aligns with national trends but suggests a stable, not explosive, market. This means you’ll find opportunities, but competition for the best roles—particularly at top-tier employers—can be fierce.

Your experience level will be the primary driver of your earnings. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market data:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$54,000 - $61,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$60,000 - $68,000
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$65,000 - $75,000+

Insider Tip: Shift differentials and specialty certifications can push you well above these brackets. An LPN with a valid IV certification working overnight shifts at a long-term care facility can easily add $3-$5/hour to their base rate.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

How does Sunrise stack up? While the median salary of $56,553 is solid, it's important to see the broader Florida landscape. South Florida cities generally offer higher wages due to cost-of-living pressures, but competition is also higher.

City	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Employer Notes
Sunrise	$56,553	111.8	Major hospital anchor (Broward Health). High volume, steady shifts.
Miami	$57,800	122.7	Higher pay, but extreme cost of living and traffic congestion.
West Palm Beach	$55,900	115.2	Strong geriatric care market, similar commute challenges.
Orlando	$54,200	104.3	Slightly lower pay but significantly lower cost of living.
Tampa	$53,750	103.8	Growing medical district, competitive but less saturated than South FL.

The Takeaway: Sunrise offers a strong salary-to-cost ratio compared to its direct neighbors like Miami. You get access to the South Florida job market without the premium price tag of living in Miami-Dade County.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $56,553 sounds good, but what does your monthly budget look like? Let’s break it down for a single LPN living in Sunrise.

• Gross Monthly Income: $56,553 / 12 = $4,712.75
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = -$1,036.81
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,675.94

Now, let’s factor in the single biggest expense: housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Sunrise costs $1,621/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,621	44%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	7%
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	12%
Groceries & Household	$400	11%
Healthcare (Insurance Co-pay, Rx)	$200	5%
Discretionary/Debt/Savings	$755	20%
Total	$3,676	100%

Can you afford to buy a home? With a median salary of $56,553, the math is tight. The median home price in Sunrise is approximately $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of over $2,500. This would consume over 65% of your net income, which is financially unsustainable. Insider Tip: Many local LPNs choose to live in neighboring, more affordable communities like Lauderhill or Coral Springs and commute 15-20 minutes to Sunrise employers to make homeownership a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise is anchored by the massive Broward Health Medical Center and its surrounding wellness campus, but the job market extends beyond the hospital walls.

1. Broward Health Medical Center (Sunrise Campus): This is the city's largest employer and your primary target. They run the full spectrum of care, from the emergency department to surgical floors and long-term care. Hiring is continuous, but they prioritize candidates with acute care experience. Hiring Trend: Actively filling positions for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and Post-Surgical units.
2. The Fountains Medical Center: A key outpatient facility and urgent care hub. Ideal for LPNs seeking a daytime, Monday-Friday schedule away from the 24/7 hospital grind. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for clinic LPNs with strong patient intake and phlebotomy skills.
3. Sunrise Senior Living (Multiple Locations): Sunrise has a high concentration of senior living facilities. These are excellent starting points for new grads or those transitioning from home health. Hiring Trend: Very high demand for LPNs in memory care and assisted living. Shifts often include weekends and holidays.
4. Platinum Living at Sunrise: A prominent assisted living and memory care community. Similar to Sunrise Senior Living, this is a stable employer with a focus on geriatric care. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring for full-time and part-time roles, often with flexible scheduling options.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Amedisys, LHC Group): Sunrise is a dense suburban area perfect for home health nursing. These roles offer autonomy but require reliable transportation and strong time management. Hiring Trend: Growing demand due to an aging population. Pay can be slightly higher per visit, but benefits may be less comprehensive.
6. Local Urgent Care Chains (e.g., CareSpot, Concentra): Several national chains have locations in Sunrise. These are fast-paced environments perfect for LPNs who enjoy variety and patient interaction. Hiring Trend: Hiring for both full-time and PRN (as-needed) positions, offering a great way to supplement income.

Insider Tip: Network with nurses at Broward Health. Many hospital units have internal transfer programs and "float pool" positions that are filled internally before hitting public job boards.

Getting Licensed in Florida

To work as an LPN in Sunrise, you must hold a valid Florida nursing license. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months). Several community colleges in Broward County offer excellent programs, such as Broward College and McFatter Technical College.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The application fee is $200, paid to Pearson VUE.
3. State Application: Submit your application to the Florida Board of Nursing. The initial licensure fee is $185. You will need to provide fingerprints for a background check (approx. $50).
4. Total Estimated Cost: $435 - $500 (excluding tuition).
5. Timeline: From graduation to holding your license, expect a process of 2-3 months. If you are licensed in another state, Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning if you have a multi-state license from another compact state, you can practice in Florida without a new license. If not, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which takes about 4-6 weeks.

Insider Tip: Florida requires mandatory continuing education (CE) for license renewal. Budget for and complete your CE requirements well before your expiration date to avoid last-minute stress and fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Choosing where to live in Sunrise depends on your priorities: commute, budget, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Broward Health (Sunrise)
Central Sunrise	The heart of the action. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the hospital. Dense, urban-suburban feel.	$1,700 - $1,900	5-10 minutes
Sunrise Lakes	A large, established community with a mix of apartments and condos. Often has older buildings at lower price points.	$1,400 - $1,600	10-15 minutes
Welleby	A quieter, residential area with single-family homes and townhomes. More family-oriented, slightly longer commute.	$1,550 - $1,750	15-20 minutes
Sawgrass Mills	The area around the mega-mall. Newer luxury apartments, but can be noisy and have higher traffic.	$1,800 - $2,100	10-15 minutes

Insider Tip: Traffic on Sunrise Boulevard and the Sawgrass Expressway can be heavy during rush hour. If you work at Broward Health, living west of the hospital (in areas like Welleby) can mean a against-the-traffic commute, saving you time and stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Florida is a solid foundation, but specialization and advancement are key to increasing your income and job satisfaction.

• Specialty Premiums: The most valuable certifications for an LPN in this market are:
  • IV Therapy Certification: Allows you to start and manage IVs, a skill in high demand in hospitals and infusion centers. This can add $2-$4/hour to your pay.
  • Gerontology Certification: Given Sunrise's aging population, this makes you a prime candidate for senior living, geriatric psych, and palliative care roles.
  • Wound Care Certification: Highly valued in long-term care and home health settings.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to transition from an LPN to an RN. Many local employers, including Broward Health, offer tuition reimbursement programs for LPNs pursuing an ADN or BSN. This is the single most effective way to increase your earning potential long-term. An RN in Sunrise can earn $75,000 - $90,000+, a significant jump from the $56,553 LPN median.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% job growth rate, the market for LPNs will remain stable. However, the push for higher education in nursing continues. LPNs who upskill, earn certifications, and gain experience in high-need specialties will have the most job security and negotiation power. The rise of value-based care will also increase demand for LPNs in outpatient and home health settings.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Sunrise presents a compelling, if nuanced, opportunity for LPNs. It’s not the highest-paying city in Florida, but its strategic position within the South Florida healthcare network, coupled with a manageable cost of living compared to its larger neighbors, makes it a strong contender.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with a major hospital anchor (Broward Health).	High cost of living relative to the national average (111.8 index).
Median salary ($56,553) is competitive for the region.	Homeownership is challenging on a single LPN income.
Diverse employment settings (hospital, SNFs, home health, clinics).	Traffic congestion can impact commute times, especially during peak hours.
Access to a large, diverse patient population for skill-building.	Competition for the best hospital jobs can be intense.
Proximity to beaches, entertainment, and a vibrant cultural scene.	High humidity and hurricane season are significant lifestyle factors.

Final Recommendation: Sunrise is an excellent choice for LPNs who are early to mid-career and want to build experience in a high-volume setting without the extreme financial pressure of Miami. It’s ideal for those who value job stability, a diverse patient population, and South Florida amenities. If your long-term goal is homeownership, you may need to live in a more affordable neighboring community or pair your income with a partner's. For those willing to specialize and pursue further education, Sunrise offers a solid foundation for a long and rewarding nursing career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be bilingual (English/Spanish) to get a job in Sunrise?
A: While not a strict requirement for most employers, Spanish fluency is a massive advantage in South Florida. Many patient populations are Spanish-dominant. Bilingual LPNs are often given priority in hiring and may have an edge in negotiating shifts or assignments.

Q: What is the typical work schedule for an LPN in Sunrise?
A: It varies by setting. Hospitals (Broward Health) rely heavily on 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm or 7pm-7am), often with weekend rotation. Long-term care facilities and home health may offer more traditional 8-hour shifts, but weekends and holidays are standard. Outpatient clinics typically offer Monday-Friday, daytime hours.

Q: Are there opportunities for PRN (as-needed) work?
A: Yes, very much so. PRN roles are common in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They offer flexibility and often a higher hourly rate ($30+/hour), but no benefits. This is a popular way for experienced LPNs to supplement their income or for new grads to gain experience in different settings.

Q: How is the cost of living really? Is it as bad as they say?
A: It’s high, but manageable with a budget. The Cost of Living Index of 111.8 is real. Rent is the biggest hurdle. However, groceries and utilities are closer to the national average. The key is housing choice. Living in Sunrise proper is expensive; looking just 10 minutes east or west (e.g., Lauderhill, Coral Springs) can significantly reduce your rent burden.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in Sunrise as a new grad?
A: 1. Network: Connect with instructors from your nursing program who may have clinical contacts. 2. Apply Early: Apply to Broward Health's new grad residency program as soon as you're eligible. 3. Target SNFs: Long-term care facilities are often the most willing to hire new LPNs. Consider starting there to build experience before moving into a hospital setting. 4. Use Local Job Boards: Indeed and LinkedIn are key, but also check the websites of major employers directly, as they often post openings there first.