Registered Nurse in Bryan, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

As a local career analyst, let's get straight to the numbers. For a Registered Nurse in Bryan, TX, the financial reality is solid, though it sits slightly below the national average. The median salary is $83,668/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.23/hour. For context, the national average for RNs is $86,070/year, so you’re looking at a difference of about $2,400 annually. In a city where the cost of living is roughly 9.3% below the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 90.7), that gap is less concerning than it might appear in a high-cost coastal city.

The job market itself is stable but not booming. There are an estimated 806 nursing jobs in the Bryan-College Station metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady but slower than the national average for healthcare professions. This isn't a city where you'll see explosive hiring spikes, but the demand remains consistent, largely anchored by the massive Texas A&M University health system and the broader healthcare needs of the Brazos Valley.

Here’s a breakdown of how salary typically progresses with experience in this market. Note that these are generalized estimates based on local trends and the provided median data.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Bryan, TX)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$68,000 - $75,000	New grads often start in Med-Surg or specialty floors. Shift differentials (evenings/nights) can add $2-$4/hour.
Mid-Career (3-8 yrs)	$80,000 - $92,000	This is where most nurses land, aligning close to the median. Specializations begin to influence pay.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$90,000 - $105,000+	Charge nurse roles, clinical ladders, and high-demand specialties (ICU, ER) push into this range.
Expert/Leadership (15+ yrs)	$100,000 - $120,000+	Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Management roles. Requires advanced degrees (MSN) often.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

To put Bryan's salary in a broader Texas context, it's helpful to see where it falls. Bryan is a smaller, more affordable market compared to the state's major metros.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Notes
Bryan, TX	$83,668	90.7	Texas A&M Health, CHI St. Joseph (Baylor Scott & White)
Houston, TX	~$96,000	~96.0	Massive hospital systems (Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann)
Dallas, TX	~$95,000	~98.0	High volume, high competition, numerous specialties
Austin, TX	~$92,000	~101.0	Tech-influenced healthcare, high growth, high rent
Waco, TX	~$78,000	~85.0	Smaller market, lower cost of living, similar regional employer base

Insider Tip: While Bryan's salary appears lower than Houston or Dallas, the pay-per-dollar is often better. A $83,668 salary in Bryan with a $1,015 average rent provides more disposable income than a $95,000 salary in Austin with a $1,600+ rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a Registered Nurse earning the median salary of $83,668/year. This assumes a single filer taking the standard deduction and contributes to a 401(k)/403(b) and health insurance, which is typical for hospital employees.

Annual Salary: $83,668
Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes, 401k, insurance): ~$4,800

Here’s how that might look on a monthly basis:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,015	The city average. You can find slightly cheaper in older areas or more expensive in newer complexes near Texas A&M.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity is the big variable (Texas summers). Water/trash often included in rent.
Groceries	$300 - $400	For one person. H-E-B is the dominant and often most affordable grocer.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Essential in Bryan; limited public transit. Insurance rates are reasonable.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Employer-sponsored plans. Varies widely.
Student Loan Payment	$200 - $400	Highly variable based on personal debt.
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Entertainment, dining, personal care, savings.
TOTAL EXPENSES	~$2,465 - $3,265
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$1,535 - $2,335

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is one of Bryan's biggest draws. The median home price in Bryan is around $280,000. With a $2,335 monthly surplus (after a conservative budget), a nurse can save for a down payment quickly. A 20% down payment on a $280,000 home is $56,000. With disciplined saving, this is achievable in 2-4 years. A mortgage payment (with taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,700/month, which is manageable on a $4,800 take-home pay, especially with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

The Bryan job market is dominated by a few major healthcare systems, all within a 15-20 minute drive of each other. The hiring trends are stable, with turnover creating consistent openings. New grad residency programs are key pathways into the most desired facilities.

1. Texas A&M University Health Science Center (College Station): The anchor of the region. This includes the College of Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Texas A&M Health clinic network. They are the largest employer and offer diverse roles from clinic nursing to specialty care. Hiring is steady, with a strong preference for nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Bryan (formerly CHI St. Joseph Health): This is the primary acute-care hospital in Bryan proper. It's a Level II Trauma Center and offers a full range of services. They are actively part of the massive Baylor Scott & White system, which provides internal mobility. They frequently hire for Med-Surg, Telemetry, ICU, and ER. Insider Tip: This hospital is known for a strong team culture but can be busy due to the trauma designation.

3. Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Bryan: A large network of outpatient specialty clinics (cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, etc.). These roles offer a more predictable M-F schedule, often without holidays or weekends, which is a huge draw for work-life balance. Pay may be slightly lower than hospital shifts, but the trade-off is significant.

4. St. Joseph Health (Bryan): This is the main facility within the CHI St. Joseph system, but it's important to note it's owned by the same parent company as Baylor Scott & White. It serves as a key community hospital and often has openings in labor & delivery, pediatrics, and med-surg.

5. Brazos Valley Health Authority (BVHA): This is the public health department for Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, and Robertson counties. Roles here are in public health nursing, immunizations, WIC, and community outreach. It's a different pace from hospital work, with a focus on population health. Salaries are often public and can be viewed on the county website.

6. Local Urgent Care & Private Practices: Numerous urgent care centers (like MedExpress, Concentra) and private specialty practices (dermatology, gastroenterology) hire RNs for triage, injections, and patient education. These are excellent options for those seeking non-hospital, daytime roles.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're moving from another state, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) process is straightforward but requires planning. You cannot practice without an active Texas license.

Key Requirements:

• NCLEX-RN Pass: You must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination.
• Application: Submit an application via the Texas BON online system (Nursing Licensure System - NLS). Include official transcripts from your nursing program.
• Fingerprinting: Complete a fingerprint background check (can be done at many local law enforcement offices or through a service).
• Fee: The application and fingerprint fee is $200 (as of late 2023; always verify current fees).
• Nursing Compact State: Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If you have a multi-state license from another compact state (e.g., Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico), you can practice in Texas without obtaining a Texas license. If you are not from a compact state, you must apply for a Texas license.

Timeline & Cost:
The process typically takes 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application. The total cost is approximately $200 - $250 (application, fingerprinting, notarizations). Start the process at least 2 months before your intended move date. Insider Tip: Texas is a large state with a robust nursing market. If you are a compact license holder, your move is significantly easier. If not, begin your application immediately upon accepting a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Bryan is relatively small, and commute times are rarely an issue. The split is often between living in Bryan proper or nearby College Station. Here are the top neighborhoods, balancing lifestyle, commute, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Bryan	Historic, walkable, lively. Home to local shops, restaurants, and festivals. 5-10 min to Baylor St. Joseph.	$900 - $1,200	Nurses who want a vibrant urban feel, enjoy walking/biking, and work at the Bryan hospital.
South Bryan (Near Texas A&M)	Suburban, family-friendly, convenient. Close to Texas A&M Health facilities. 10-15 min to all hospitals.	$1,000 - $1,300	Ideal for those working at Texas A&M Health or who want easy access to College Station amenities.
Eastside / Boonville	Quiet, residential, more affordable. Older homes, established community. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Nurses seeking a slower pace, lower rent, and don't mind a short drive to work.
College Station (Southside)	Modern, bustling, college-town energy. Newer apartments, lots of amenities. 15-20 min to Bryan hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,500	Great for new grads who want nightlife, shopping, and are working at Texas A&M Health.
Windsor / Southwest Bryan	Upscale suburban, newer developments, parks. Very short commute to St. Joseph/Baylor Bryan.	$1,000 - $1,300	Nurses wanting a quiet, modern suburban life with minimal commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bryan's nursing career trajectory is steady, with opportunities for advancement both clinically and educationally.

Specialty Premiums: While the median is $83,668, certain specialties command higher pay:

• ICU/ER/ Labor & Delivery: Likely $5-$8/hour more than Med-Surg base.
• Certifications: Obtaining certifications like CCRN (Critical Care) or CEN (Emergency) can lead to bonuses and higher pay scales.
• Perioperative (OR) Nursing: A high-demand specialty in the region, with training programs often offered by hospitals to retain staff.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most major hospitals have a clinical ladder program (e.g., RN I, II, III, IV) where you earn more for gaining experience, pursuing education, and taking on preceptor roles.
2. Advanced Degrees: Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) opens doors to roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Educator, or Nurse Manager. Salaries for NPs in Bryan range from $110,000 - $130,000+. Texas A&M University offers excellent graduate nursing programs locally.
3. Leadership: From Charge Nurse to Nurse Manager to Director of Nursing. This path requires strong leadership skills and often an advanced degree.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is modest but reliable. The aging population in Texas will ensure steady demand. The biggest growth in nursing roles will likely be in outpatient care, home health, and telehealth, driven by cost containment. Nurses with tech skills (electronic health records, telehealth platforms) and those in advanced practice (NP, CRNA) will be most in demand. Insider Tip: Building a relationship with a local hospital's nursing leadership and showing initiative in quality improvement projects is a key strategy for advancement in Bryan's close-knit healthcare community.

The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Bryan offers a compelling value proposition for RNs seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It's not a bustling metro, and career options are less diverse than in Houston or Dallas, but the quality of life and financial upside are significant.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living (Index 90.7)	Slower Job Growth (6%) compared to major metros
Median Salary of $83,668 goes far here	Primarily 2-3 major employers; less diversity in hospital choice
Stable, predictable job market	Limited nightlife/urban amenities compared to Austin/Dallas
Short, easy commutes (5-20 mins)	Heavily influenced by Texas A&M academic calendar (can impact traffic/rent)
Strong community feel and family-friendly	Specialty options are present but not as vast as large cities
Excellent path to homeownership	Requires car; public transit is limited

Final Recommendation: Bryan is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and homeownership. It's ideal for new grads looking to start their careers in a supportive, lower-stress environment, as well as for mid-career nurses or families seeking a safe, affordable community. It may feel limiting for nurses seeking ultra-specialized careers or a fast-paced urban lifestyle. If you value a short commute, a strong sense of community, and the ability to save money and buy a home, Bryan is a fantastic fit.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get a nursing job in Bryan as a new graduate?
It's competitive, but very doable. Texas A&M Health and Baylor Scott & White both have structured nurse residency programs for new grads. The key is to apply early (often 6 months before graduation), network through clinical rotations, and be flexible with shift and unit preferences. Having your Texas license in hand (or application pending) is a major advantage.

2. What is the typical shift schedule like?
Most acute care hospitals operate on 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm or 7pm-7am), working 3 days per week. This is the standard and offers great flexibility. Clinics and outpatient settings typically run Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Part-time and PRN (as-needed) positions are also available.

3. How does the cost of living compare to nearby College Station?
College Station is slightly more expensive, particularly in rent, due to its direct affiliation with Texas A&M University. You can live in Bryan (cheaper rent) and commute to College Station (10-15 mins) very easily, making it a popular choice for those working at Texas A&M Health.

4. Are there opportunities for nurses without a BSN?
Yes, especially at St. Joseph Health and some outpatient clinics. However, the larger systems (Texas A&M, Baylor Scott & White) strongly prefer or require a BSN for most inpatient roles. Many offer tuition reimbursement to help you obtain your BSN once hired, which is a common path.

5. What's the weather like, and does it affect nursing?
Bryan has hot, humid summers (often 95°F+) and mild winters. The heat can impact patient volumes (heat-related illnesses) and energy costs. Most facilities are air-conditioned