Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tacoma, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Tacoma, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Tacoma’s nursing market is competitive but stable. You’re not going to make Seattle money, but you’re also not paying Seattle rent. The key is understanding the local pay scale relative to experience.

The median salary for an LPN in Tacoma is $56,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.28. This sits slightly above the national average of $54,620, a small but meaningful bump that reflects Washington’s higher labor costs and strong healthcare demand. The metro area supports 445 jobs for LPNs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. That growth is steady—think new assisted living facilities and expanded outpatient services rather than explosive tech-style hiring.

Experience is the biggest driver of your paycheck. Here’s how that breaks down locally:

Experience Level	Tacoma Estimated Annual Salary	Tacoma Estimated Hourly Rate	Key Local Employers for Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$49,000 - $53,000	$23.50 - $25.50	MultiCare, Franciscan Health, SNFs, Home Care Agencies
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$56,000 - $62,000	$27.00 - $29.80	Tacoma General, St. Joseph, Kaiser Permanente, Corrections
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$63,000 - $70,000+	$30.30 - $33.65+	Specialized clinics, Charge Nurse roles, State facilities

How does Tacoma compare to other WA cities?

• Seattle: Salaries are typically 10-15% higher ($62,000 - $65,000 median), but rent can be 40-50% more. The commute from Tacoma (via I-5 or Sounder train) is a major factor.
• Spokane: Salaries are often 5-8% lower ($52,000 - $54,000 median), with a significantly lower cost of living. The healthcare market is strong but smaller.
• Olympia: Very similar to Tacoma in pay and cost of living, but with a larger government and state hospital sector (e.g., St. Peter Hospital).

Insider Tip: The highest paying LPN roles in the Tacoma metro are often in correctional facilities (Washington State Dept. of Corrections) and state psychiatric hospitals (like Western State). These come with shift differentials and state benefits that can push total compensation well above the median. They require a calm, professional demeanor and a strong understanding of patient safety in a secure environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. On a median salary of $56,750, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, FICA, and WA state’s 7% tax) will be approximately $44,000 - $45,000 per year, or about $3,650 - $3,750 per month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tacoma is $1,603/month. That leaves you with roughly $2,000 - $2,150 per month for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and savings.

Can an LPN earning the median salary afford to buy a home in Tacoma?
It’s a tight squeeze, but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Tacoma is currently around $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000. On a $56,750 salary, lenders will approve you for a mortgage of approximately $220,000 - $240,000 (assuming no other major debt). This means you’d need a substantial down payment or to look at condos/townhomes in the $300,000 - $350,000 range, which are available but often in older buildings or less central neighborhoods. Most LPNs I know in Tacoma either live with a partner, have roommates, or opt to rent while building savings.

Sample Monthly Budget (Approx.)

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,729	Based on $56,750/year
Take-Home Pay	$3,700	After taxes & deductions (est.)
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,603	Can be lower in some neighborhoods
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, gas, internet, water
Groceries	-$350	Shopping at WinCo, Fred Meyer (local chains)
Transportation	-$200	Gas, ORCA card, insurance (Tacoma is car-dependent)
Health Insurance	-$150	If not fully covered by employer
Student Loans	-$200	Varies widely
Remaining	$1,047	For savings, entertainment, emergencies

The Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

Tacoma’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by two major systems, with strong competition from specialty clinics and long-term care facilities.

1. MultiCare Health System: The largest employer in the South Sound. They operate Tacoma General Hospital (Level II Trauma), Allenmore Hospital, and numerous clinics. For LPNs, opportunities are in med-surg, orthopedics, and outpatient clinics. Hiring is constant, but they prefer candidates with Washington state experience or strong references. Insider Tip: Apply for the "LPN Pool" position to get your foot in the door for per-diem shifts across multiple units—it’s a great way to learn the system.

2. CHI Franciscan Health (now part of CommonSpirit): Runs St. Joseph Medical Center (a major cardiac center) and St. Clare Hospital in nearby Lakewood. They have a strong network of urgent care and specialty clinics. Franciscan is known for a more traditional, faith-based hospital culture. Their hiring process can be slower than MultiCare’s.

3. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: A unique public health employer. LPNs work in immunization clinics, communicable disease programs, and with vulnerable populations. Jobs here are highly competitive and offer excellent government benefits and work-life balance. They often require public health nursing experience.

4. Washington State Department of Corrections: The Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor and the Monroe Correctional Complex (slightly farther) are major employers. Pay starts at the top of the mid-career range, with excellent state benefits. You’ll need a clean background and a calm, authoritative presence.

5. Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources: Operates adult day health centers and coordinates in-home care. A good option for LPNs who prefer community-based care over hospital settings. Hiring is steady, driven by the aging population.

6. Local Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Companies like Avamere, Providence, and locally-owned facilities in the South Hill and Parkland areas are always hiring. These are often entry-level-friendly but can have high patient loads. Hiring Trend: There’s a push for LPNs to take on more supervisory roles in SNFs due to RN staffing shortages.

Getting Licensed in WA

If you’re licensed in another state, Washington is a “compact state” (if you hold a multi-state license from a compact state). If you’re not, here’s the process.

For New Applicants (from non-compact states):

1. Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program.
2. NCLEX-PN: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Apply to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBN): Submit transcripts, fingerprints for a background check, and pay the $195 application fee.
4. Fingerprints: Must be done through a Washington-approved vendor (cost ~$50).
5. Timeline: From application submission to license in hand can take 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order.

Total Estimated Cost: $250 - $300 (Application fee + fingerprints + NCLEX fee).

For Compact State Nurses: If your primary state of residence is in a compact state (e.g., Idaho, Oregon, Utah), you can practice in Washington under your multi-state license. You still need to register with the WSBN for $85. Insider Tip: Always check the WSBN website for the most current compact state list, as it can change.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Your commute and lifestyle in Tacoma are neighborhood-dependent. Here are the top 4 choices for healthcare workers:

1. North End (Proctor District & Stadium District):

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, near Point Defiance Park. Lots of young professionals and families.
   • Commute: Easy access to St. Joseph Medical Center (10 mins) and downtown Tacoma (5 mins). MultiCare clinics are nearby.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $2,100/month for a 1BR. Premium for walkability.
   • Best For: LPNs who want a vibrant, active neighborhood without a long commute.

2. South Hill (Puyallup):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, with excellent school districts. More affordable than central Tacoma.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to MultiCare facilities. A straight shot on SR 410.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs looking to buy a home, start a family, or who work at MultiCare’s Puyallup clinic.

3. Downtown / Theater District:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, near UW Tacoma and museums. Can be noisy.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to St. Joseph or Tacoma General. Excellent public transit access (Sounder train, buses).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month for a modern 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: LPNs without a car, or those who prioritize a short commute and city amenities.

4. Lakewood (near St. Clare Hospital):

   • Vibe: Residential, with a large military presence (Joint Base Lewis-McChord nearby). Diverse community.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to St. Clare, 20 mins to Tacoma General. Close to I-5.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs working at Franciscan/St. Clare, or those who want affordable housing near major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

LPNs in Washington have a defined career ladder, though advancement typically requires further education.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs in wound care, geriatrics, and mental health can command a 5-10% premium. Certifications are key. For example, a Wound Care Certification (WCC) can add $2-$3/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse (LPN): In SNFs or clinics, supervising other LPNs/CNAs. Requires 2-3 years of experience.
  2. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common path. Tacoma has excellent ADN programs at Tacoma Community College and Clover Park Technical College. An RN salary jumps to a median of $78,000+ in Tacoma.
  3. Public Health: Move into outbreak response, community education, or school nursing through the health department.
• 10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady. The demand will be in geriatrics and home health due to Washington’s aging population. Technology integration (telehealth) will also create new LPN roles, especially in rural clinics around the Sound. An LPN who specializes and gets an RN will be highly secure.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: The $56,750 median goes further in Tacoma than in Seattle.	Weather: The famous "Tacoma Rain" is real from October to April. Gloom can affect mood.
Job Stability: A concentrated healthcare market with 445 jobs and steady 5% growth.	Traffic: I-5 and SR 16 can be congested during rush hour. A car is almost essential.
Career Pathways: Clear routes to specialize or bridge to RN with local colleges.	Rental Market: The average $1,603/month rent is rising faster than wages in some sectors.
Location: You're 30-45 mins from both Seattle and Mt. Rainier, and 2 hours from the coast.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than Seattle, but growing. Don’t expect a major metropolis vibe.

Final Recommendation:
Tacoma is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance, affordability, and a strong sense of local community. If you’re willing to start in a SNF or clinic to gain Washington experience, and you’re open to specializing, you can build a stable, fulfilling career here. It’s not the place to get rich quickly as an LPN, but it’s a place where you can afford a life outside of work. If you’re chasing top-tier salaries, look to Seattle or Bellevue—but be ready for a commute or a much higher rent bill.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for new LPN graduates in Tacoma competitive?
A: It’s competitive, but not impossible. SNFs and home health agencies are the most common entry points. Having a clean background check and strong clinical references is crucial. Consider a per-diem or part-time role first to get your foot in the door.

Q: Do hospitals in Tacoma hire LPNs for bedside care?
A: Yes, but primarily in inpatient rehab, long-term care wings, and some med-surg units. Most acute care beds (ICU, ER, surgery) are staffed by RNs. Your best bets for hospital work are MultiCare’s long-term care units or Franciscan’s rehab units.

Q: What’s the cost of living really like compared to the salary?
A: It’s manageable but not luxurious. With a $56,750 salary, you can live alone, save a bit, and enjoy local activities. However, you’ll need to budget carefully, especially if you have student loans. Roommates or living in a slightly less central neighborhood (like Lakewood or South Hill) can make a big difference.

Q: How long does it take to find an LPN job after moving to Tacoma?
A: With an active Washington license, most candidates find a position within 1-3 months. Applying to multiple systems (MultiCare and Franciscan) and being open to SNFs significantly speeds up the process. Networking with local nurses on LinkedIn or through the Washington Association for Practical Nurse Education (WAPNE) can help.

Q: Is it worth getting an RN in Tacoma?
A: Absolutely. The salary jump from $56,750 to $78,000+ is substantial, and the range of job options expands dramatically. Local community colleges offer affordable, high-quality ADN programs. If you plan to stay in healthcare long-term in Washington, bridging to RN is the most financially sound decision.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBN), Zillow Rental Market Data, and local healthcare employer career pages.