Registered Nurse in Beaverton, OR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Beaverton, Oregon, written from the perspective of a local career analyst.

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The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the nursing salary in Beaverton is a strong point, especially when you factor in the competitive market of the Portland metro area. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Beaverton is $87,774/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.2/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,070/year, a clear indicator of the region's demand for skilled healthcare professionals. With 872 nursing jobs currently listed across the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, the market is stable and offers room for advancement.

However, salary isn't one-size-fits-all. Experience, specialty, and shift differentials play a huge role. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on your career stage.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $82,000	New graduate residency programs, standard medical-surgical units.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $98,000	Specialization (e.g., ICU, ER), charge nurse roles, BSN required.
Senior (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $110,000+	Advanced certifications (CCRN, CEN), clinical educator, leadership.
Expert (15+ years)	$105,000 - $125,000+	Nurse Practitioner role, clinical director, specialized consultant.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area. Shift differentials for nights and weekends can add 10-18% to these base salaries.

When you compare Beaverton to other Oregon cities, its position is unique. It's part of the larger Portland metro, so salaries are competitive with Portland itself but often with a slightly lower cost of living. For comparison, nurses in Salem (the state capital) might see salaries around $84,000, while those in Eugene often align closely with the national average. The key advantage for Beaverton is its proximity to both major academic medical centers in Portland and a robust suburban healthcare network.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $87,774/year sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Beaverton?

First, the math. After estimated federal, state, and local taxes (assuming single filer with standard deductions), your take-home pay will be approximately $6,200 - $6,500 per month.

Now, let's build a sample monthly budget for a Registered Nurse in Beaverton.

Monthly Budget for a Registered Nurse Earning $87,774/year

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$6,400	(After taxes)
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$1,545	Beaverton average
Utilities	$250	PGE, water, trash, internet
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Average for a used car
Gas/Commuting	$150	Trimet, gas, parking
Health Insurance	$200	(Employer-subsidized)
Student Loans	$300	Varies widely
Retirement (401k 5%)	$365	Pre-tax deduction
Entertainment/Dining	$400
Savings/Emergency Fund	$290
Total Expenses	$6,400

This budget is tight but manageable. It assumes no major debt outside of student loans and a modest car payment. The $290 leftover for savings is a starting point; many nurses in Beaverton boost this by picking up extra shifts or working per-diem roles.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Beaverton is around $520,000. A 20% down payment is $104,000, and a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of over $2,800, including taxes and insurance. On a single RN salary of $87,774, that's over 40% of your gross income—a risky proposition. Most nurses in Beaverton buy homes with a partner's income or after significant career advancement (e.g., becoming a Nurse Practitioner, which can command a salary over $120,000). Renting, especially in the first few years, is the most common and financially prudent path.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton's healthcare landscape is a mix of large hospital systems, community clinics, and specialty centers. Here are the key players where nurses find steady employment:

1. Providence Health & Services: While their flagship hospital, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, is technically in Portland (just minutes from Beaverton), it's a primary employer for Beaverton residents. It's a Level II Trauma center and a major teaching hospital. Hiring is constant, especially in their busy ER, ICU, and cardiac units.
2. Tuality Healthcare (now part of AdventHealth): Tuality Hospital in Hillsboro is the main community hospital for Washington County. It's a 161-bed facility known for a strong family birth center and a busy surgical department. It's a go-to employer for nurses wanting a community-hospital feel with the backing of a larger system (AdventHealth).
3. Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser has a massive presence in the Portland metro, with numerous clinics and medical offices in and around Beaverton. Jobs here are highly sought after due to strong benefits and a focus on preventative care. Roles are plentiful in primary care, pediatrics, and specialty clinics (dermatology, orthopedics, etc.).
4. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU): OHSU's primary campus is in Portland, but their extensive network of clinics includes several in Beaverton (e.g., the Center for Health & Healing in the Tanasbourne area). They are a top-tier academic medical center, and jobs here often involve research, education, and cutting-edge specialties.
5. Washington County Public Health: Located in Hillsboro, this is a key employer for public health nurses. Roles focus on community outreach, immunization programs, school health, and communicable disease control—a different pace from hospital bed-side nursing.
6. Legacy Health: Another major Portland system with facilities close to Beaverton, including Legacy Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin. It's a full-service hospital with a reputation for strong surgical and cardiac services.
7. The Portland Clinic: A large, multi-specialty outpatient clinic with a location in Beaverton. It's an excellent option for nurses seeking a predictable Monday-Friday schedule without hospital shifts.

Hiring Trends: The demand is highest for experienced nurses in critical care (ICU), emergency, and operating rooms. New graduates face competition for hospital residencies but have excellent opportunities in home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics to build experience.

Getting Licensed in OR

If you're moving from another state, the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) handles licensure. Here’s the practical timeline and cost:

Requirements:

1. Nursing Education: Graduate from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program.
2. NCLEX-RN Pass: You must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.

Process & Timeline:

• Application: Submit your application online through the OSBN website. You'll need official transcripts sent directly from your school.
• Fingerprinting: Schedule fingerprinting through a vendor like Fieldprint. This is required for both in-state and out-of-state applicants.
• Endorsement: If you're already licensed in another state, you'll apply for licensure by endorsement. Oregon is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means if your primary state of residence is in another compact state (like WA, ID, NV), you can practice in Oregon without a new license. This is a huge advantage for PNW movers.
• Costs:
  • Application Fee: $125
  • Fingerprinting Fee: $65 (approx.)
  • Total: ~$190
• Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks after the OSBN receives all documents. Start your application as soon as you have a job offer or are planning your move.

Insider Tip: The OSBN website is your best friend. It's very clear and up-to-date. Bookmark it and review the requirements carefully, as they can change.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Choosing where to live in Beaverton depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top neighborhoods for nurses:

1. Downtown Beaverton:

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix. Walkable, with the Beaverton Central MAX light rail station. Easy access to restaurants, the farmers market, and the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.
   • Commute: Excellent. You can take the MAX directly to Portland hospitals or a short drive to Tuality in Hillsboro. No need to rely solely on Highway 26.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,500 - $1,650/month.
   • Best For: Nurses who want a vibrant, walkable lifestyle and an easy commute using public transit.

2. Tanasbourne / Aloha:

   • Vibe: Established suburban. Quiet, family-oriented, with great access to parks and shopping centers like the Tanasbourne Town Center. Close to the Nike and Intel campuses.
   • Commute: Very good. Close to Highway 26 for a quick drive to OHSU or Portland hospitals. Also an easy commute to Tuality Hospital in Hillsboro (15-20 mins).
   • Rent (1BR): $1,450 - $1,600/month.
   • Best For: Nurses seeking a quieter, suburban feel with a straightforward car commute.

3. Raleigh Hills:

   • Vibe: Upscale suburban. Known for its 1950s-era ranch homes, proximity to top-rated schools, and the popular Raleigh Hills shopping district.
   • Commute: Good. It's situated between Beaverton and Portland, making it a central hub. About a 20-minute drive to most major hospitals, though traffic on SW Scholls Ferry Rd can be heavy.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,600 - $1,800/month (slightly higher due to location and school district).
   • Best For: Nurses with a higher budget looking for a classic, established neighborhood with a strong community feel.

4. South Beaverton (near SW Barrows Rd):

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, and very convenient. This area is close to the Beaverton Transit Center, major shopping, and has easy access to I-5 and Highway 217.
   • Commute: Excellent by car or transit. Easy access to multiple routes into Portland and down to Tigard/Tualatin.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,400 - $1,550/month.
   • Best For: Nurses who prioritize a short, flexible commute and a no-fuss residential neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in nursing in Beaverton isn't just about the starting salary. It's about strategic growth.

Specialty Premiums: Your earning potential increases significantly with specialization.

• ICU/ER Nurse: Can command a $5-$10/hour premium over a med-surg nurse.
• OR Circulator: Highly specialized; salaries often start in the mid-$90s with experience.
• Labor & Delivery: A popular specialty with a steady demand; pay is comparable to ICU.
• Home Health: Pay is often per visit, but experienced nurses can build a lucrative caseload.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospital systems (Providence, AdventHealth) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN IV can come with a 5-10% salary increase.
2. Certifications: Earning a specialty credential (e.g., CCRN for critical care) often includes a one-time bonus and a permanent pay bump.
3. Leadership: Charge nurse, unit manager, or clinical educator roles move you into management, with salaries often starting at $100,000+.
4. Advanced Practice: The biggest leap is becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This requires a Master's or Doctorate degree but opens salaries from $110,000 to $160,000+ in the Portland metro. OHSU and Portland State University have excellent graduate programs.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. Beaverton's aging population and the continued expansion of clinics and specialty centers will drive demand. The rise of telehealth also creates new remote roles for experienced nurses. The key to longevity is continuing education—stay current, get certified, and you'll have a stable, rewarding career.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Beaverton offers a compelling package for nurses: competitive pay, a diverse job market, and a high quality of life. But it's not for everyone. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries: Median of $87,774 is above the national average.	High Cost of Living: Rent ($1,545/mo) and home prices are steep.
Diverse Job Market: From major hospitals to community clinics and public health.	Traffic: Commuting into Portland can be congested, especially during peak hours.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Abundant parks, trails, and a focus on outdoor recreation.	Income Tax: Oregon has a high state income tax (9.9% top bracket).
Accessible Licensure: Compact state status simplifies the process for many.	Competitive Housing Market: Both for renting and buying.
Suburban Comfort with Urban Access: You get a quieter life without being far from the city.	Wet Winters: The famous Pacific Northwest rain can be a downside for some from sunnier climates.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is an excellent choice for nurses in the mid-to-senior career stage who value work-life balance and are seeking a stable, well-compensated role in a supportive community. It's particularly well-suited for those who prefer a suburban lifestyle but want easy access to the career opportunities of a major city.

For new graduates, it's a viable but competitive market. A strategy of starting in a community hospital (like Tuality), a clinic, or a skilled nursing facility to gain experience is a smart move before targeting the major academic medical centers in Portland.

If you're looking for a career with strong upward mobility, a salary that affords a comfortable life (if you budget wisely), and a community that values the outdoors and family, Beaverton is a place where you can thrive.

FAQs

1. Is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) really that helpful?
Yes, it's a game-changer. If your primary state of residence is in a compact state (like Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, etc.), you can practice in Oregon immediately without applying for a new license. Just be sure to update your home address with your current state's board if you move to Oregon. If you're moving from a non-compact state, you'll need to go through the standard endorsement process.

2. What's the typical schedule for a nurse in Beaverton?
Most hospital jobs are 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm or 7pm-7am), typically three days a week. This offers great flexibility. Clinic and outpatient jobs are generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. The trade-off is the predictable schedule versus the longer days off.

3. How competitive are new graduate residency programs?
They are competitive, especially at top-tier hospitals like Providence St. Vincent and OHSU. To improve your chances, have a strong GPA, get experience as a CNA or tech during school, and be open to specialties like med-surg or rehab. Applying to multiple programs is essential.

4. Do I really need a BSN in the Beaverton area?
While an ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing) will get you a license and a job, most major hospital systems strongly prefer or require a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) for employment. Many, like Providence, require you to obtain your BSN within a set number of years (usually 3-5) of being hired. It's a wise investment for career mobility.

5. How does the commute from Beaverton to Portland hospitals work?
It's very manageable. The MAX light rail's Blue Line runs from Beaverton Central directly into downtown Portland, with stops near OHSU and other major medical centers. Driving is also common, but be prepared for traffic on Highway