Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Waco, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Wac Stand

As a local who’s watched the healthcare sector grow steadily alongside Baylor University’s expansion, I can tell you that Waco offers a solid, if unglamorous, foundation for an LPN. The median salary of $53,112/year (or $25.53/hour) places Waco slightly below the national average of $54,620/year. But don't let that number fool you. When you factor in Waco's cost of living—nearly 10% below the national average—your paycheck stretches further here than in many cities.

The job market is stable but not booming. With 289 LPN positions in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 5%, this isn't a field where you'll see explosive demand. Growth is tied to the aging population and the steady operations of our major medical centers. Competition for the best jobs is real, but turnover exists, especially in long-term care and home health.

Here’s how experience breaks down in the Waco market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Waco, TX)	Notes
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $49,000	Typically starts in nursing homes or home health. New grads may need to prove themselves.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$52,000 - $58,000	This is where the median $53,112 sits. Clinic and hospital roles are most common.
Senior (8+ yrs)	$58,000 - $65,000	Often requires specialty certs (Gerontology, IV) or supervisory duties in a nursing home.
Expert/Specialty	$65,000+	Rare for pure LPN roles. Usually achieved by transitioning to an RN or taking a niche case management job.

How Waco Compares to Other TX Cities:

• Dallas-Ft. Worth: Median ~$56,000. Higher salary, but cost of living (especially housing) is 15-25% higher.
• Austin: Median ~$55,500. Salaries are stagnant relative to Austin's skyrocketing housing costs. Waco is a far better value.
• Houston: Median ~$54,500. Similar salary, but Waco's smaller scale offers a different lifestyle.
• San Antonio: Median ~$52,800. Very close to Waco, with a larger city feel and military hospital presence.

Insider Tip: The highest LPN salaries in Waco are often found not in hospitals, but in specialty outpatient surgery centers (like those off I-35 near Baylor Scott & White) and in home health for high-acuity patients. Ask about shift differentials (often $2-$4/hour for nights/weekends) during interviews—they can bump your hourly rate significantly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally practical. On a $53,112 annual salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Texas state tax (which is 0%) will be roughly $41,200/year, or about $3,433/month. Texas has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.

Now, let's see what that means for your budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN in Waco (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,426
Take-Home Pay	$3,433	After federal taxes & FICA.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,011	Waco's average. Can range from $800 to $1,400.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity is the big one in Texas summers.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transport is limited.
Groceries	$300 - $400
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$500 - $700	Eating out, entertainment, savings, debt.
Remaining Buffer	$472 - $1,222

The math works. With discipline, you can live comfortably on a median LPN salary in Waco, with room to save or pay down debt. The $1,011 average rent is key—living alone is feasible. If you choose a roommate, your savings potential increases dramatically.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Waco is roughly $260,000. With a 5% down payment ($13,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800-$1,900. That's 52-55% of your take-home pay, which is not recommended. However, if you:

1. Live with a partner/roommate to reduce housing costs.
2. Save for a larger down payment (10-20%).
3. Wait for a promotion or move into a higher-paying specialty.
   ...then homeownership becomes a realistic 3-5 year goal. Many LPNs in Waco do own homes, but they often bought when prices were lower or with dual incomes.

Where the Jobs Are: Waco's Major Employers

Waco's healthcare landscape is dominated by two main systems, with solid opportunities in long-term care and home health. Here are the key players:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest: The flagship hospital in North Waco. They have a large outpatient clinic network and a busy ER. They hire LPNs for their clinics (ophthalmology, orthopedics, primary care) and sometimes for specific inpatient units. They are a Magnet-recognized organization, which often means better benefits and a focus on professional development. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for LPNs who already have BLS and maybe a specialty cert.

2. Providence Health System (Ascension): Located in the heart of Waco, Providence operates the larger hospital and several specialty clinics. They are a major employer and have a strong presence in home health and hospice services through Providence Home Health & Hospice. Their LPN roles are often in wound care clinics, infusion centers, or home health visits. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for home health, especially for those comfortable with independent patient visits.

3. The Anderson Brothers & Other Nursing Homes: Waco has several large skilled nursing facilities. The Anderson Brothers (Beverly Health & Rehabilitation) and Regency Manor are prominent. These are often the first jobs for new LPNs. The work is demanding but offers consistent hours and benefits. Hiring Trend: Constant. High turnover due to the nature of the work, so they are almost always accepting applications.

4. Waco Family Medicine: A large Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with multiple clinics across the city. They serve a diverse patient population and often hire LPNs for medical assistant-style roles, front desk, and some nursing duties. It's a great environment for learning and community health. Hiring Trend: Growing, as they expand services.

5. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like Kindred at Home and LHC Group have offices in Waco and service the wider Central Texas area. These jobs offer autonomy and a driving component. You need a reliable car and good time management. Pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative. Hiring Trend: High demand, especially for LPNs willing to cover rural areas like McGregor or West.

6. Baylor University Health Services: A unique option. Caring for the college population. The hours are regular (no nights/holidays), and the environment is less stressful than acute care. They hire LPNs for the health center. Hiring Trend: Seasonal (hires before fall semester), but a coveted, stable position.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. Texas does not have reciprocity; you must apply to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).

Requirements:

1. Graduate of an approved LPN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN. If you're already licensed in another state, you must have passed it.
3. Submit an online application to the Texas BON.
4. Pay the fee: $100 (licensure by endorsement).
5. Verification: Your original state must verify your license directly to Texas (often through Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) if applicable, but Texas is not a full NLC state for LPNs).
6. Background Check: Fingerprinting is required.

Timeline & Cost:

• Cost: $100 (application) + ~$50 (fingerprinting) = **$150**.
• Timeline: Processing can take 4-8 weeks after all documents are received. Start the process at least 2-3 months before your planned move.
• Insider Tip: Texas is a compact state for RNs, but not for LPNs. If you're an LPN moving from a compact state (like Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana), you still need to apply for Texas licensure by endorsement. Don't assume you're automatically covered.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Waco is easy to navigate. Your commute will rarely exceed 20-25 minutes. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown based on lifestyle and proximity to employers:

1. Downtown/Urban Core: Best for young professionals, no car needed.

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, near Baylor. Apartments are trendy but smaller.
   • Commute: Walking or short bike ride to Baylor Scott & White (Providence). 10-min drive to Hillcrest.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a social life without a long commute.

2. Baylor/South Waco: Best for proximity to the hospital, family-oriented.

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, with older homes and some newer apartments. Near the popular Cameron Park.
   • Commute: 5-15 minute drive to Providence and Hillcrest.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs working at the main hospitals who want a quick, easy commute.

3. West Waco: Best for value and newer amenities.

   • Vibe: Suburban, with shopping centers (Richland Mall area) and newer apartment complexes.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to hospitals. Easy access to I-35 for home health nurses covering a wider area.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those wanting more space for the money and don't mind a short drive.

4. Woodway: Best for families, safety, and top schools.

   • Vibe: Affluent suburb with excellent schools, parks, and a quiet feel. Mostly single-family homes.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200+ (mostly houses or townhomes).
   • Best For: LPNs with families who prioritize school districts and a suburban lifestyle.

5. University Parks/Bynum: Best for a quiet, established neighborhood feel.

   • Vibe: Tree-lined streets, well-kept older homes, close to Baylor but removed from the student bustle.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500 (mostly houses or duplexes).
   • Best For: Those who want a neighborhood feel with a short commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for LPNs in Waco is one of stability, not transformation. The 5% growth reflects the need to replace retirees and meet the needs of an aging population, not a surge in new roles.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• IV Therapy Certification: Can add $1-$2/hour to your base pay. Essential for home health and infusion roles.
• Gerontology/Geriatric Care: High demand in nursing homes and home health. Experience here is a resume builder.
• Case Management: With experience, you can move into LPN case manager roles, coordinating care for patients. Less physical, more administrative.
• The RN Bridge: This is the most common and impactful advancement. Waco has several RN bridge programs (Temple College, McLennan Community College). An RN license can increase your earning potential to $70,000+ in Waco. Many employers offer tuition assistance.

10-Year Outlook:
The role will remain essential. However, technology (EHRs, telehealth) will become more integrated. LPNs who are tech-savvy and can work autonomously in home health or clinics will have the best prospects. The push toward outpatient care means fewer hospital LPN jobs but more in clinics and home settings. Your career path in Waco will likely be defined by gaining experience and possibly pursuing an RN degree to unlock higher pay and leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Waco Right for You?

Pros and Cons of Being an LPN in Waco

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $53,112 salary goes far, especially compared to Austin or Dallas.	Salary Ceiling: The median $53,112 is the norm. Significant salary jumps require moving to RN or leaving the bedside.
Stable Job Market: Major employers (Baylor, Providence) are not going anywhere.	Limited Specialty Variety: Fewer niche fields (e.g., no major pediatric hospitals, limited cutting-edge research).
Manageable Commute: You can live anywhere in the metro and be at work in 20 mins.	Slower Pace: It's a smaller city. Less cultural diversity and nightlife than major metros.
Community Feel: Strong sense of local pride and community, especially in healthcare.	Growth is Modest: The 10-year growth of 5% means competition for the best jobs will remain.
No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the risk of severe storms (tornadoes) in spring.

Final Recommendation:
Waco is an excellent choice for LPNs who value a balanced life, low cost of living, and job stability. It's ideal for those who are early in their careers, looking to buy a home, or raising a family. It's less ideal for LPNs seeking the highest possible salary, a vast array of specialty options, or a bustling urban nightlife.

If you're a practical person who wants your work to support a comfortable life in a friendly, growing city, Waco is a smart, data-driven move. Come for the job, stay for the community.

FAQs

1. Can I live comfortably in Waco on a $53,112 LPN salary?
Yes. With a median 1BR rent of $1,011, you have a significant buffer for utilities, a car, groceries, and savings. Budgeting is key, but it's very doable.

2. How competitive is the job market for LPNs in Waco?
It's moderately competitive. With 289 jobs and steady growth, openings exist. You'll have the best chance if you have a clean license, BLS certification, and flexibility with shifts (nights/weekends). Networking through local healthcare job fairs is highly effective.

3. Is it worth it to get my LPN license in Texas if I'm moving from another state?
Absolutely, if you plan to stay in Texas. The cost (~$150) and time (4-8 weeks) are reasonable. Texas has a robust healthcare system, and Waco offers a great entry point. Just be sure to start the endorsement process early.

4. What's the best way to find LPN jobs in Waco?

• Direct Application: Check the career sites for Baylor Scott & White and Providence.
• Local Agencies: Work with Waco-based staffing agencies like Healthcare Solutions or Sunbelt Staffing.
• Networking: Join the Texas Nurses Association - District 3 (Central Texas) for local events.
• Indeed/LinkedIn: Filter for Waco and "Licensed Practical Nurse." Set up job alerts.

5. As a new LPN grad, will I have to start in a nursing home?
Not necessarily, but it's the most common path. Clinics (like Waco Family Medicine) and home health sometimes hire new grads. To stand out, get your BLS and any additional certs (like phlebotomy) during school. Showing willingness to work in a nursing home for 1-2 years is a proven way to gain experience that opens doors to hospitals and clinics.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Texas Board of Nursing (BON), Zillow/ApartmentRent, BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, and employer career pages.