Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tulsa, OK

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

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The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Tulsa's healthcare market is solid, but it's not a boomtown like some coastal metros. For an LPN, it's a stable environment with a reasonable cost of living. Let's look at the numbers.

According to the most recent data, the median salary for an LPN in Tulsa is $52,899/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.43/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, a common trade-off for Tulsa's lower living costs. The metro area supports 821 LPN jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a steady 5%.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in the Tulsa market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $50,000	$21.63 - $24.04
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$50,000 - $58,000	$24.04 - $27.88
Senior/Expert	5+ years	$58,000 - $65,000+	$27.88 - $31.25+

How does this compare to other Oklahoma cities?
Tulsa is the second-largest market in the state, trailing Oklahoma City. OKC often has a slightly higher median salary (around $54,500/year) due to a larger concentration of state government and major hospital systems. However, the difference is marginal. Smaller cities like Enid or Lawton have lower salaries but also significantly lower living costs. Tulsa strikes a balance: more opportunities than a small town, with a more manageable pace than OKC.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. A median salary of $52,899 in Tulsa offers a comfortable lifestyle, especially given the city's affordability.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (for a single LPN earning $52,899/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$4,408
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$950
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,458
• Average 1BR Rent (Citywide): $900/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Car, Savings, & Fun: ~$2,558

Insider Tip: Many Tulsa employers, like Saint Francis or Ascension, offer shift differentials (often $2-$4/hour extra for nights/weekends) and can significantly boost your take-home pay if you're willing to work non-traditional hours.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Tulsa is around $215,000. With a 20% down payment, a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200-$1,350. This is higher than renting, but still feasible on an LPN's salary, especially with a dual-income household. The key is that Tulsa's housing market has not seen the insane inflation of other U.S. cities, making homeownership a realistic long-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

The Tulsa job market is dominated by a few major healthcare systems. Here’s a breakdown of the key players and where you should be applying.

1. Saint Francis Hospital System: This is the 800-pound gorilla of Tulsa healthcare. With multiple campuses (including the massive Saint Francis Hospital in midtown and the Children's Hospital), they are the largest employer. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and long-term care facilities. Hiring is steady, and they offer robust benefits.
2. Ascension Health (via St. John Health System): Another major system, St. John is now part of Ascension. They have a strong presence in downtown Tulsa and surrounding areas. They are known for their oncology and cardiac care. Keep an eye on their postings for outpatient clinic roles, which are highly sought after for better hours.
3. Hillcrest HealthCare System: Hillcrest operates several hospitals and clinics, including Hillcrest Medical Center and SouthCrest Hospital. Their system is very active in the South Tulsa/Broken Arrow area. They often have openings in their long-term care and rehabilitation centers, which are great for LPNs looking for a consistent schedule.
4. The VA Medical Center (Oklahoma City VA Health Care System - Tulsa Outpatient Clinic): The Tulsa area has a significant veteran population. The VA outpatient clinic and associated community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in nearby towns like Bartlesville and Claremore hire LPNs for primary care, mental health, and specialty clinics. Federal jobs come with excellent benefits and job security.
5. Local Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and Home Health Agencies: Beyond the big hospitals, there’s a vast network of long-term care facilities. Companies like Clarehouse (a renowned local hospice) and large networks like NorthCrest or The Manor are always looking. Home health agencies (like Interim HealthCare or Visiting Nurse Association) offer even more autonomy and are perfect for LPNs who prefer patient-centric care outside a hospital setting.
6. Tulsa Public Schools: Did you know school districts employ LPNs? TPS and surrounding suburban districts (Jenks, Union, Bixby) hire LPNs to work in school clinics, managing medications and minor injuries for thousands of students. It's a schedule with summers off—a huge perk for parents or those seeking work-life balance.

Hiring Trends: There's a high demand for LPNs in geriatrics and long-term care due to Tulsa's aging population. Skilled nursing facilities and home health are growing sectors. Hospital med-surg roles are competitive but stable.

Getting Licensed in OK

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to navigate Oklahoma's licensing process.

For New Graduates or Out-of-State Applicants:

1. Education: You must graduate from an approved LPN program (accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
3. Apply for Licensure by Examination (New Graduates): Submit your application to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. You'll need official transcripts sent from your school.
4. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Moving from another state): If you already hold an active, unencumbered LPN license in another state, you can apply for an Oklahoma license by endorsement. You must have passed the NCLEX (or its predecessor) and typically must have worked in nursing for a certain period (e.g., 500 hours in the last 5 years). Verify current requirements on the Board's website.
5. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Oklahoma requires a state and federal criminal background check through an approved fingerprint vendor.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee (by exam): ~$100
• Application Fee (by endorsement): ~$150
• Fingerprinting Fee: ~$55
• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
• Timeline: From application submission to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks after all documents and exam results are received. It's crucial to start the process before you move.

Insider Tip: The Oklahoma Board of Nursing website (ok.gov/omb) is your best friend. Bookmark it. Their customer service is generally helpful if you call with specific questions.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Where you live in Tulsa impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are four top picks for healthcare professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an LPN
Midtown	Historic, walkable, close to Saint Francis midtown & downtown.	$950 - $1,100	Prime location for the two largest hospital systems. Walkable to restaurants and parks. Older apartments can be a bit "charming" (read: dated), but the location is unbeatable.
South Tulsa / Bixby	Family-friendly, modern, suburban. Commute to Hillcrest hospitals is easy.	$900 - $1,050	Great for those wanting more space and newer amenities. Bixby is a booming suburb with its own medical clinics. Easy access to the Creek Turnpike for faster commutes.
Brookside	Trendy, upscale, along the Arkansas River.	$1,100 - $1,300	Very desirable but pricier. Close to the River Parks and upscale dining. A short drive to Saint Francis and downtown. Popular with young professionals.
Jenks	Quintessential suburb, excellent schools, tight-knit community.	$850 - $950	A bit farther south, but if you work at Hillcrest South or in Jenks itself, it’s perfect. The commute to downtown can be heavy during rush hour, but the quality of life is high.

Personal Insight: If you work night shift in midtown, living in Midtown or Brookside saves your sanity. The 10-minute commute vs. a 25-minute drive home at 7 AM is worth the slightly higher rent. If you're working days in a suburban clinic, South Tulsa or Jenks offer better value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Tulsa is a solid foundation, but career growth requires intention.

• Specialty Premiums: While there's no formal "pay scale" by specialty, LPNs in dialysis or infusion therapy often command higher rates due to specialized skills. Case management roles (coordinating care for patients post-discharge) are another avenue, sometimes offering a salaried position with more regular hours.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse: In SNFs or hospital units, an experienced LPN can often be promoted to a charge nurse role, overseeing other LPNs/CNAs.
  2. Become an RN: This is the most common and impactful advancement. Tulsa has excellent, affordable bridge programs (RN-to-BSN) at Tulsa Community College (TCC) and the University of Oklahoma (TU). The return on investment is significant. An RN in Tulsa can earn $25,000-$35,000+ more annually.
  3. Education: With an LPN license, you can become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) instructor at a vocational school, a great way to give back.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% job growth rate, the demand for LPNs will remain steady, driven by Tulsa's aging population and the expansion of outpatient care. The stability is there. However, automation and the push for higher education (BSN for RNs) means LPNs should continuously upskill. Learning electronic health records (EHR) systems like Epic (used by Saint Francis) or Cerner (used by Ascension) is a huge plus.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all city. Here’s a balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for housing.	Lower Salary Ceiling: You'll earn less than in many other U.S. cities, even after adjusting for cost of living.
Stable Job Market: Major employers are well-established and consistently hiring.	Limited "Prestige": Tulsa isn't a medical research hub like Boston or Houston.
Manageable Commute: Traffic is minimal compared to most metros.	Car-Dependent: Public transit (Tulsa Transit) is improving but not robust. You'll need a car.
Growing City with Small-Town Feel: The arts scene (Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center), the Gathering Place park, and the river trails offer great quality of life.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters can have ice storms. Tornadoes are a risk (ensure your apartment has a storm shelter or safe room).
Central Location: Easy weekend trips to Oklahoma City, the Ozarks, or even Dallas.	Limited Diversity: While improving, the metro is less diverse than national averages.

Final Recommendation: If your priority is work-life balance, affordability, and steady employment, Tulsa is an exceptional choice for an LPN. You can build a comfortable life, save money, and have a rewarding career without the stress of a high-cost, high-traffic metro. If your primary goal is maximizing salary above all else or working in a cutting-edge research environment, you might look elsewhere. For most, Tulsa offers a compelling, realistic, and fulfilling path.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new LPN graduate. Is it hard to get my first job in Tulsa?
A: It can be competitive for the top-tier hospital jobs, but not impossible. Your best bet is to apply broadly—don't just target Saint Francis. The long-term care facilities and home health agencies are often more willing to hire new grads and provide excellent foundational experience. Network with clinical instructors; they often have connections.

Q: What's the cost of living really like?
A: Extremely reasonable. The Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (U.S. average = 100). Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are below the national average. Your biggest expense will be your car (payment, insurance, gas), as you'll need one to get around.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs in mental health?
A: Yes! The Veterans Affairs Medical Center and community mental health centers (like Family & Children's Services) hire LPNs. There's also a growing need in psychiatric wards at hospitals like Saint Francis. It's a high-demand, high-reward specialty area.

Q: How important is it to get my Oklahoma license before applying?
A: For hospital jobs, it's often essential. Many hospitals will not interview you without an active Oklahoma license or one in the final stages of processing. For long-term care, they may offer you a position contingent on you obtaining your license within 30 days. It's best to start the process early.

Q: What's the biggest surprise for an LPN moving to Tulsa?
A: How much of a role the "big" employers play. The healthcare world in Tulsa is interconnected. Chances are, you'll work at one of the main systems (Saint Francis, Ascension, Hillcrest) or a facility that partners with them. Understanding their corporate structures and culture is key to finding the right fit. Also, the sense of community among nurses here is strong—it feels like a big town with a supportive network.