Registered Nurse in Bellevue, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

As a local who’s watched Bellevue’s healthcare scene evolve from the post-Offutt AFB boom to today, I can tell you that registered nurses here enjoy a solid middle-class wage with a cost of living that makes it stretch further than in bigger metros. The data backs this up.

Let’s get right to the numbers. The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in the Bellevue metro area is $84,133/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.45/hour. This is slightly below the national average for RNs, which sits at $86,070/year. Don’t let that small gap mislead you; it’s the context that matters. With Nebraska’s cost of living index at 92.5 (100 is the US average), your paycheck goes significantly further here than it would in a state like California or New York. The Bellevue metro, with a population of 64,355, supports 579 RN jobs, a healthy number for a mid-sized city, and the 10-year job growth projection is a stable 6%.

To understand where you might fall on this scale, here’s a typical experience-based breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Bellevue)	Key Responsibilities
Entry (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	Foundational bedside care, orientation in med-surg units, working under direct supervision.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $90,000	Specialization begins (e.g., ER, ICU), charge nurse potential, preceptor roles for new hires.
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $101,000	Expertise in a specialty, nursing leadership (e.g., manager, clinical educator), complex patient coordination.
Expert (15+ years)	$101,000+	Advanced practice roles (if pursued), director-level positions, policy influence, or high-demand specialty consulting.

How does Bellevue stack up against other Nebraska cities? It’s a strong contender. It offers a more community-focused, less hectic pace than Omaha but with comparable pay and often better housing costs. You’re not stuck in a massive metro traffic pattern, and the sense of community among healthcare workers is palpable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground this salary in reality. Using the median $84,133/year, here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single RN without dependents, assuming a standard 7.5% Nebraska state income tax, federal taxes (~18% effective rate), and FICA/health insurance deductions.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $7,011
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (~28%): -$1,963
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,048/month

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Bellevue costs $878/month. That leaves you with $4,170 for all other expenses—a very comfortable margin. Let's break it down further:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Bellevue)	Notes
Rent (1BR average)	$878	Can range from $750 to $1,100 depending on neighborhood and amenities.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Varies seasonally; winter heating can be a factor.
Groceries	$350 - $400	Affordable with local chains like Bakers and Hy-Vee.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450 - $600	Heavily dependent on your vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150 - $300	Most hospital employers offer good plans.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$400 - $600	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,428 - $3,028
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$2,020 - $2,620

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Bellevue becomes a standout for career-focused RNs. With a take-home of over $5,000/month and a mortgage payment for a $250,000 home (a realistic price for a 3-bedroom in a good neighborhood) likely around $1,400-$1,600 including taxes and insurance, a single RN can comfortably build equity. This is a major advantage over coastal cities where buying on a single RN salary is often impossible.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by the military and its spin-offs. Offutt Air Force Base is the economic engine, and its healthcare needs ripple through the civilian sector. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. CHI Health Immanuel (Omaha) – The Major Player. While technically in Omaha, this is a top referral center for Bellevue residents and a major employer for Bellevue nurses. It’s a Level II Trauma Center and has renowned cardiac and cancer care. Hiring trends are strong for ICU, ER, and Med-Surg nurses. Commute is 15-20 minutes via I-80/I-680.
2. Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) – The Local Anchor. This is the true local hospital. Part of the Nebraska Medicine network, it’s a critical access hospital with an ER, inpatient beds, and surgical services. They value nurses who want to stay in the community. Hiring trends favor Med-Surg, Orthopedics, and Women’s Health. It’s a prime spot for new grads wanting a supportive, smaller-hospital environment.
3. Nebraska Medicine (Main Campus - Omaha) – The Academic Hub. A 20-minute commute for a world-class teaching hospital. Offers higher pay and cutting-edge specializations. They aggressively recruit for Oncology, Transplant, and Neurology units. The culture is fast-paced and research-driven.
4. VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (Omaha) – Government Stability. A 25-minute commute, but offers federal benefits, pensions, and a mission-driven environment. Hiring is steady for Primary Care, Mental Health, and Geriatrics. The patient population is defined and the care models are structured.
5. Alegent Creighton Health (Local Clinics) – Community Network. Multiple clinics in Bellevue and Papillion offering outpatient care. Great for RNs seeking a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule in family practice, internal medicine, or dermatology. Hiring trends lean toward experienced nurses with strong outpatient skills.
6. Offutt AFB – 55th Medical Group (Military Civilian) – The Direct Impact. The base requires civilian nurses for its clinics and flight medicine. A job here means working directly with active-duty personnel and their families. Requires a background check and often DoD clearance. Hiring is cyclical but stable.
7. Home Health & Hospice Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association) – The Flexible Path. Several agencies serve Bellevue. Offers more schedule autonomy but can be less predictable. Demand is high for nurses with strong assessment and patient education skills.

Insider Tip: The connection between Offutt and the civilian medical centers is huge. Many nurses work at BMC or CHI and then pick up per-diem shifts at the VA or home health. Networking at local nursing events is key—the community is tight-knit.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s process is straightforward but requires foresight. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Professional Licensure is your governing body.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
2. NCLEX-RN: Pass the national exam. You can apply for licensure by examination after graduation.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is mandatory.
4. Fees: Application fee is $128.25 (as of 2023, check DHHS site for current rates). NCLEX registration fee is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). Total upfront cost: ~$328.
5. Compact State? Nebraska is NOT part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). If you hold a license in a compact state, you must apply for a single-state Nebraska license to work here.

Timeline:

• For a New Grad: Start the application process immediately after graduation. The background check and paperwork can take 4-8 weeks. Plan for a 2-3 month buffer between graduation and starting work.
• For an Out-of-State RN: The process is similar. You’ll need to verify your education and possibly provide a letter of good standing from your original state. Timeline is similar: 8-12 weeks.

Pro Tip: Nebraska has a temporary permit available for new graduates, allowing you to work under supervision while awaiting NCLEX results. This can help you start work sooner, but you must apply for it.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Bellevue is a city of distinct personalities. Your choice depends on your commute and lifestyle.

1. Downtown Bellevue: Rent: $800 - $1,050/month. The historic heart. Quaint main street, older homes, and the closest to BMC. Walkable to the library and local cafes. Best for the nurse who wants character and a short commute. Parking can be tight.
2. South Bellevue (Near Offutt): Rent: $750 - $950/month. Practical and convenient. Mostly post-war ranches and newer subdivisions. Super close to the base and a straight shot to BMC. Ideal for the nurse working at the base or who values a quick, easy drive. Very family-friendly.
3. North Bellevue/Papillion Border: Rent: $850 - $1,100/month. The fastest-growing area. Newer apartment complexes, bigger homes, and more shopping (Target, grocery chains). Commute to Omaha hospitals (CHI, Nebraska Medicine) is easiest from here. Great for the nurse who wants modern amenities and doesn't mind a 10-minute longer commute locally.
4. La Vista/Sarpy County: Rent: $900 - $1,200/month. Technically adjacent but a common choice. More suburban, with higher-end apartments and townhomes. Very safe, manicured, and quiet. Commute to Omaha is easy via I-80. Best for the nurse prioritizing a "suburban feel" and willing to pay a slight premium for it.
5. Old Towne Papillion: Rent: $750 - $1,000/month. A neighboring town with its own charm. Similar historic vibe to Downtown Bellevue but with more green space. Commute to Bellevue Medical Center is 10-15 minutes. A great alternative if you find Bellevue housing scarce.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bellevue’s nursing career path is about leveraging specialty premiums and lateral moves. The 10-year outlook is positive with the 6% growth; demand isn't exploding, but it's steady and reliable.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from certification. An RN with an ACLS or PALS certification is essential for ER/ICU roles. A CCRN (Critical Care) or OCN (Oncology) certification can add $5,000-$10,000/year in salary at major hospitals. Pursuing a BSN is often a requirement for advancement; many employers like Nebraska Medicine offer tuition reimbursement.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have a clinical ladder program (e.g., Nurse I, II, III, IV) with pay increases for experience, education, and committee work.
  • Management: Charge nurse → Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing. Requires a BSN and often an MSN later.
  • Advanced Practice: The path to NP or CRNA requires a Master’s or Doctorate. Omaha’s academic hospitals (Nebraska Medicine, Creighton) are the primary training grounds, but you can work as an NP in Bellevue.
  • Niche Specialties: Telehealth and informatics are growing fields in the Omaha metro, offering a shift away from bedside.

Insider Tip: The 10-year growth is modest because Bellevue is a stable, mature market. The real growth for an ambitious nurse is through specialization and cross-training. Don’t stay in med-surg forever; get your experience, then move to a high-acuity unit or a procedural area.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

It depends entirely on your priorities. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power. Your salary goes very far due to low cost of living.	Limited specialty options. You’ll need to commute to Omaha for niche fields like pediatric ICU or major transplant surgery.
Manageable commute. No hour-long traffic jams. You can live 10 minutes from work.	Night/Weekend life. Social life for shift workers can be slower; Omaha offers more nightlife, but it's a drive.
Stable job market. Anchored by military and healthcare, jobs are consistent.	Weather. Winters are cold and windy; summers are hot and humid. A seasonal adjustment is needed.
Tight-knit community. Easy to get to know colleagues across hospitals.	Political & Cultural Environment. Nebraska is deeply conservative; this can be a pro or con depending on your views.
Excellent for homeownership. A realistic goal on a single RN income.	Transit is Car-Dependent. You will need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation: Bellevue is an excellent choice for the pragmatic RN. If your goals are financial stability, homeownership, a manageable work-life balance, and you don't mind a 15-30 minute commute for high-acuity specialties, this is a top-tier location. It’s less ideal for the RN seeking the absolute pinnacle of a single, ultra-specialized field without relocating. For most, the trade-off is overwhelmingly positive.

FAQs

1. What’s the job search like for new grads in Bellevue?
Competitive, but not impossible. Hospitals like Bellevue Medical Center often have residency programs. Your best bet is to apply 3-4 months before graduation. Network with nurses at local events (the Nebraska Nurses Association has a local chapter). Starting in med-surg is the most common path to build experience.

2. Is it easy to switch specialties later?
Yes, but it requires effort. The first 1-2 years in a specialty (like ICU) can lock you in, but hospitals often offer internal cross-training programs. For example, a med-surg nurse at BMC could train for the ER if a spot opens. Being BSN-prepared and certified makes you a stronger candidate for a change.

3. How does the military presence affect civilian nursing?
Positively. It provides a stable patient base and often leads to specialized training opportunities (e.g., trauma, aerospace medicine) through the VA or direct base contracts. Security clearances for base jobs are a hurdle, but the benefits are solid.

4. What’s the nursing culture like?
Collaborative and understated. Nurses here are less about "brand" and more about "team." The hierarchy is flatter than in major academic centers. You’ll be expected to be independent but will have strong support from charge nurses and managers. The union presence is minimal.

5. Should I get my Nebraska license before applying?
For new grads from out-of-state, yes. For experienced RNs, you can mention you're "licensed in [State] and will apply for NE license upon offer." However, having your Nebraska license in hand makes you a top-tier candidate, as it shows commitment and speeds up your start date.