LPN salary liveable?

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I am about to start LPN school soon, and am slightly concerned about being able to support myself once I graduate. I see different perspectives on what LPN's make, and wonder if it is enough to sustain myself financially while I pursue my RN.

Any input or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I fear completing this program, and then having to retreat to the private sector to make a living again. I have a huge interest in nursing, and really want this to work!

Thanks all - this site is awesome!

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

I think it depends greatly on your geographical location. As a new grad in Texas I was making over $40,000 which is enough for a single person to live comfortably and afford a newer single family home. However after moving to Washington state, where housing costs are 3-4 times that in Texas and the wages aren't much greater, it's much harder to have the same life style. There's no way I could afford a newer single family home here, even when including my husband's salary. Makes me miss Texas!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

LPN pay rates vary wildly, depending upon where you live and work. LPNs in rural Arkansas can earn as little as $10 or $11 hourly. On the other hand, LVNs/LPNs in San Francisco can earn as much as $27 hourly. It also depends on the cost of living in the geographic region where you intend to work. For instance, $25 per hour might seem like a wonderful pay rate at first glance, but it is utterly useless if you live in a high cost of living city where apartment rents in the area exceed $1,500 monthly, and regular single family houses cost over $500,000.

Here's my situation. I'm a single 26 year old female with no husband, boyfriend, or children. I live in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, which is an area that pays LVNs/LPNs nicely when one takes into account the low cost of living here. 2006 was my first year as an LVN, and I earned $47,000 without even having to work the entire year. I live in a 1,900 square foot house that was built in 2004, and 2 newer vehicles are parked in my driveway (2006 Corolla and 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck). I also have enough money saved to survive at least 1 year without working, if an emergency were to arise. Although I am not one who usually boasts about lifestyle, I think I am doing financially better than many people who have earned BA degrees in humanities-style majors such as English, philosophy, American literature, sociology, and sculpture.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

My circumstances were a bit different. My mother died and left me a mortgage free home, and I am married with one child. The LPN salary does me okay. I am in the process of paying back bills at the moment, so, I do not spend over my means. I can see the potential of living comfortably close to a year from now and being able to invest my money, take vacations and do home improvement.

There are some that really suffer with their salaries but, that has not been an issue for me.

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Thanks! I live in South Florida, so I am sure it will be tight. I don't expect to get wealthy, but just want to be able to keep my head above water while I pursue the RN side of things.

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LPN > 25yrs here & I've found an LPN salary adequate to support a lifestyle which does allow for more indulgences vs. pre-LPN salary; however, with the cost of tuition increasing as much as it has these past two years, you might consider checking with your local community college about financial aide for your ADN vs LPN then make a more informed decision. The more info you can gather, the better. Given the situation with increased demand for all nurses I'd have to say it's really a matter of personal preference as to which degree would be best suited for your own situation. Good luck.

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Thanks! The cost of living here (Naples, FL) is stifling - I just want to able to get through RN. Eventually I will be moving out of this town, and I am sure the nursing education will pay off down the road - spiritually and financially.

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I live in rural arkansas in a small town of ozark i work 25 minuted away at a nursing home and have worked as a LPN for 5 years and I make 18.20 an hour so I think that is pretty good.

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LPN pay rates vary wildly, depending upon where you live and work. LPNs in rural Arkansas can earn as little as $10 or $11 hourly. On the other hand, LVNs/LPNs in San Francisco can earn as much as $27 hourly. It also depends on the cost of living in the geographic region where you intend to work. For instance, $25 per hour might seem like a wonderful pay rate at first glance, but it is utterly useless if you live in a high cost of living city where apartment rents in the area exceed $1,500 monthly, and regular single family houses cost over $500,000.

Here's my situation. I'm a single 26 year old female with no husband, boyfriend, or children. I live in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, which is an area that pays LVNs/LPNs nicely when one takes into account the low cost of living here. 2006 was my first year as an LVN, and I earned $47,000 without even having to work the entire year. I live in a 1,900 square foot house that was built in 2004, and 2 newer vehicles are parked in my driveway (2006 Corolla and 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck). I also have enough money saved to survive at least 1 year without working, if an emergency were to arise. Although I am not one who usually boasts about lifestyle, I think I am doing financially better than many people who have earned BA degrees in humanities-style majors such as English, philosophy, American literature, sociology, and sculpture.

26 and doing so well! You go girl!! Makes me want to move to Texas. I agree with you that you are doing better than most who have a BA in the above posted. I live in California where the pay rate is 16-27 a hour but the cost of living is high. I have been looking into the LVN pay and teacher salaries and they are about the same. It is good to read how well some are doing. Melissa

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Thanks! I live in South Florida, so I am sure it will be tight. I don't expect to get wealthy, but just want to be able to keep my head above water while I pursue the RN side of things.

Hello there. WOW WOW WOW!!! Making 47,000/year as the commuter does in texas an an LPN, that must be a rarity. I too live in south florida and break even at 40,000/year as an RN on days. I must be working in the wrong place. Damn. South florida, well florida period sucks with there pay rates. The state is catered towards the retired and not the working class. I guess the key to living in Florida is to make your money elsewhere and THEN move here.

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i was an LPN in RN school working for a local LTC unit connected to the hospital. it paid very well for this area (semi-rural GA) made 16 dollars an hour and was able to work only weekends for a year and a half so i could do the RN school thru the week. i think it is very doable. plus,,,, having LPN experience will help out a whole lot for RN school.... but the main question IS.... why dont u just go back for ur RN?????? it would be crazy to do LPN 1st, since most of the credits will not transfer,,,,, itd be like going to nursing school twice.... that is what i did.... and i could just kick myself over and over for it :D

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