Registered Nurse in Bloomington, MN

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Bloomington, Minnesota.

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The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Bloomington isn't just a suburb—it's the economic engine anchoring the southern Twin Cities. For a Registered Nurse, the compensation here is strong, but it's defined by the specific health system you're in and your specialty.

The median salary for an RN in Bloomington is $87,231/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.94/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $86,070/year, which is a significant factor when you consider Minnesota's robust healthcare sector. The metro area has approximately 786 job openings for RNs at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. While 6% may seem modest nationally, in a stable, aging region like the Twin Cities, this represents consistent, reliable demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Note that these are realistic ranges for the Bloomington market, based on data from local postings and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $82,000	$36.06 - $39.42	HealthPartners, Abbott Northwestern*
Mid-Career (3-8 yrs)	$87,000 - $98,000	$41.83 - $47.12	Fairview, Allina Health
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$98,000 - $112,000	$47.12 - $53.85	M Health Fairview, Park Nicollet
Expert/Specialty (15+ yrs)	$112,000 - $125,000+	$53.85 - $60.10	University of Minnesota, Specialty Clinics

*Note: While Abbott Northwestern is in Minneapolis, many Bloomington residents commute there and it sets the market rate for the entire metro.

Comparison to Other MN Cities:

• Bloomington vs. Minneapolis: Minneapolis pay is slightly higher (median ~$90k), but the cost of living in prime Minneapolis neighborhoods is significantly steeper.
• Bloomington vs. St. Paul: St. Paul RNs earn about 3-5% less on average, but the commute from Bloomington is short and easy via I-35W or I-94.
• Bloomington vs. St. Cloud/Rochester: Salaries are highest in the Twin Cities metro. Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic) can match or exceed Twin Cities pay for certain specialties, but Bloomington offers more diverse job opportunities across multiple health systems.

Insider Tip: The "wage premium" in Bloomington is often tied to shift differentials. Night and weekend shifts at major hospitals like Fairview Southdale can add $4.00 - $8.00/hour to your base rate, which can be a game-changer for your budget.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $87,231, what does your monthly budget look like in Bloomington?

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: After federal, state (MN has a progressive tax), and FICA taxes, a single filer without dependents can expect to take home roughly $5,800 - $6,100 monthly. This can vary based on 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums.

Cost of Living Context: Bloomington's Cost of Living Index is 104.5 (US avg = 100). It's not the most affordable, but it's reasonable for the amenities and job access you get. The average 1BR rent is $1,327/month, which is a key benchmark.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an RN earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,000	Conservative estimate
Rent (1BR)	$1,327	Median Bloomington price
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$220	Average for MN climate
Groceries	$450
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Public transit is an option but a car is typical
Gas/Commuting	$150
Health Insurance (post-tax)	$250	Varies by employer
Student Loans	$300	National average for RNs
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$500
Savings/Retirement	$1,353	This is the key metric.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Bloomington is approximately $340,000. With a 10% down payment ($34,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,100 - $2,300. This is about $800 more than the average rent, but it's manageable on a dual-income household or with a few years of savings. Many RNs in Bloomington buy homes in neighboring areas like Richfield or Edina for more space, leveraging the strong resale value.

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Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington is a hub for healthcare, with employers ranging from large hospital systems to specialized clinics. Knowing the landscape is critical.

1. M Health Fairview (Southdale Hospital): Located in Edina but serving Bloomington, this is a major Level III Trauma center. Hiring Trend: Consistently urgent for Med/Surg, ICU, and OR nurses. They offer tuition reimbursement and have a strong internal mobility program.
2. HealthPartners (Bloomington Clinic): A massive integrated system with its own insurance arm. The Bloomington Clinic is a large outpatient facility. Hiring Trend: High demand for primary care, behavioral health, and specialty clinic RNs. Stable, unionized environment.
3. Allina Health (Abbott Northwestern & Unity Hospital): While Abbott Northwestern is in Minneapolis, it's a 15-minute commute. Allina has several clinics in Bloomington. Hiring Trend: They are aggressively expanding their outpatient services, creating new roles for RNs in ambulatory surgery centers and urgent care.
4. Park Nicollet (Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park): A 10-minute drive. Part of HealthPartners, but with a distinct culture. Hiring Trend: High need for surgical services, oncology, and women's health nurses. Known for excellent benefits.
5. The University of Minnesota (U of M): The main campus is just north. Hiring Trend: Highly competitive research and academic positions. Requires a BSN and often a Master's. Pays well but has a longer hiring timeline.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Minneapolis): A major federal employer with a strong presence. Hiring Trend: Excellent benefits, pensions, and job security. Hiring can be slow due to federal processes, but turnover is low.
7. Local Outpatient & Specialty Clinics: Bloomington has a dense network of clinics (e.g., Dermatology, Ortho, Surgery Centers). Hiring Trend: These are often the best openings for work-life balance, typically M-F, no weekends/holidays.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at hospital job boards. The Twin Cities RN Job Board and MN Health Career Network often list clinic and outpatient roles that aren't advertised on major hospital sites. The highest pay is usually in ICU, OR, and ER, but the best work-life balance is in outpatient or procedural areas.

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Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a streamlined process, but it's not instant. The Minnesota Board of Nursing is the governing body.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: From an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
2. NCLEX Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
4. Application: Submit a complete application online through the Minnesota Board of Nursing website.

Costs:

• Application Fee: $125 (non-refundable).
• NCLEX Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE).
• Background Check: ~$50-$60.
• Total Initial Cost: ~$375 - $400.

Timeline to Get Started:

• NCLEX Results: Can be received in as little as 10 days after the exam, or up to 4 weeks.
• License Processing: Once the Board receives a complete application, processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
• Total Realistic Timeline: From submitting your application to holding a license in hand, expect 4-6 weeks for Minnesota residents. For out-of-state nurses, the timeline can extend to 8-12 weeks if you need to verify your education and licensure from another state (there is no compact privilege for MN).

Critical Insight: Minnesota is a non-compact state. This means if you hold a license in another state (e.g., Florida, Texas), you cannot practice here under that license. You must apply for a Minnesota license. Start this process before you move.

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Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Bloomington is geographically large and diverse.

1. Bloomington Central (Downtown): Centrally located, walkable to restaurants and the Mall of America. Quick access to I-494 and I-35W. Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,650 for a 1BR. Best For: The social, active RN who wants a short commute to Southdale or downtown Minneapolis.
2. East Bloomington (Near Normandale College): Quiet, residential, with lots of parks. Easy access to Highway 100 and I-494. Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450 for a 1BR. Best For: Those who prioritize a peaceful environment and an easy commute to HealthPartners or Park Nicollet clinics.
3. South Bloomington (Near the airport): More affordable, with newer apartment complexes. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Best For: Budget-conscious nurses, especially those working at the VA or University, as the commute north is straightforward.
4. Richfield (Bordering Bloomington): Technically a separate city, but often considered part of the Bloomington job market. More single-family homes, great schools. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR. Best For: Nurses planning for a future family or who prefer a suburban feel with a shorter commute than Edina.

Commute Insight: Most major hospitals are within a 15-25 minute drive, even in traffic. The bus system (Metro Transit) is extensive, and many hospitals offer subsidized transit passes.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Bloomington's healthcare market is mature, meaning advancement is about specialization and leadership, not wild expansion.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• High-Paying Specialties: ICU, OR (Circulating/Scrub), ER, and Labor & Delivery command premiums of $5,000 - $15,000+ above the median salary. Travel nurse contracts in these areas are also very lucrative in the Twin Cities metro.
• Advanced Practice: The logical step for growth is to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The University of Minnesota and St. Catherine University (in St. Paul) have top-rated programs. An NP in Bloomington can earn $110,000 - $130,000+.
• Leadership: Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and Director roles are available within the major systems. These paths often require or prefer a BSN and eventually a Master's in Health Administration or Nursing Leadership.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The 6% growth is solid and stable. Demand will be driven by:

• An aging population in the Twin Cities metro, increasing chronic care needs.
• The expansion of outpatient surgery and procedural centers, which require skilled OR and PACU nurses.
• The ongoing need for primary and preventive care through large systems like HealthPartners.
• Telehealth integration, which is booming and creating hybrid remote/clinic roles for experienced RNs.

The key to longevity in Bloomington is to join a system with strong tuition reimbursement and then specialize. The market rewards advanced degrees and certifications (like CCRN for critical care).

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The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Bloomington offers a compelling mix of high pay, job stability, and a moderate cost of living. It's not the cheapest place, but the value is in the quality of employers and career depth.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with 786 openings and 6% growth.	Slightly above-average cost of living, especially for rent.
High median salary ($87,231) compared to national average.	Harsh winters can be a culture shock for those from warmer climates.
Diverse employer base—hospitals, clinics, research, VA.	Competition for top specialty and leadership roles can be fierce.
Excellent work-life balance opportunities in outpatient settings.	MN is a non-compact state, requiring a separate license process.
Great location with easy access to two major cities (MSP & St. Paul).	Car-centric in many parts; public transit is good but not universal.

Final Recommendation:
Bloomington is an excellent choice for mid-career nurses (3-8 years) looking to advance their specialty and income. It's also great for new grads who want a high-paying, stable first job with clear growth paths. If you prioritize career depth, reliable employers, and a stable community over a low cost of living or urban grit, Bloomington is a smart move.

For you, it might not be right if: You are a new graduate with no experience outside of school, or if you are seeking a strictly low-cost-of-living city. The upfront investment of time and money for licensure is worth it for the long-term payoff here.

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FAQs

Q: Is Bloomington a good place for a new graduate RN?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. Major hospitals like Fairview Southdale and Abbott Northwestern (in Minneapolis) have structured new graduate residency programs. Competition is high, so apply early, have a strong resume, and be willing to work nights/weekends to get your foot in the door. The 786 open jobs in the metro include many clinic and outpatient roles that sometimes hire new grads.

Q: What is the typical schedule for an RN in Bloomington?
A: It varies dramatically. Hospital nurses often work three 12-hour shifts (e.g., 7 AM - 7 PM), which can include weekends and holidays. Clinic and outpatient roles are typically Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. Insider Tip: If you value weekends off, prioritize clinic or outpatient positions from the start.

Q: How competitive are the nursing jobs in Bloomington?
A: The market is competitive for high-demand specialties (ICU, OR, ER) and for new graduate positions in the major hospitals. However, there is a constant need for Med/Surg, home health, and clinic nurses. Being flexible on shift and willing to start in a less glamorous unit can get you hired quickly.

Q: Do I need a BSN to work in Bloomington?
A: While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a valid license in Minnesota, the major employers (M Health Fairview, Allina, etc.) strongly prefer or require a BSN. Many have a "BSN within X years" policy for new hires. To be competitive, especially in hospital roles, having or pursuing a BSN is essential.

Q: What’s the best way to find a nursing job in Bloomington?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach:

1. Directly on the career sites of the major employers listed above.
2. MN Health Career Network – the state's primary job board for healthcare.
3. LinkedIn – connect with recruiters from HealthPartners, Fairview, etc.
4. Local staffing agencies (like HealthSource or Aya Healthcare) for temp-to-perm or travel contracts, which are a great way to "test drive" a hospital.

Data Sources: Salary and growth figures are derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area and industry reports. Local employer and cost-of-living data are based on public postings, city data, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).