Registered Nurse in Davie, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

As a local who’s watched this market shift over the last decade, I can tell you that Davie, FL, offers Registered Nurses a competitive salary that punches above its weight for a suburban community. It’s not Miami-Dade County money, but it’s solid, especially when you factor in the lower cost of living compared to the coastal cities. The core data points are what you need to anchor your expectations.

The median salary for an RN in the Davie metro area is $89,116/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.84/hour. This figure sits comfortably above the national average salary for RNs, which is $86,070/year. The Davie metro, which includes parts of Broward County, has an estimated 970 active jobs for RNs. The 10-year job growth projection for this area is 6%, which is steady and indicates a stable, non-boom market. You won’t see the explosive growth of some tech hubs, but you also won’t face the volatility.

To give you a realistic view of how that median salary translates into experience levels, here’s a breakdown based on local market data and state-level trends:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $82,000	Often starts on night/weekend shifts. New grads are competitive in this market.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$88,000 - $102,000	This is where the $89,116 median sits. Differential pay for specialties is key.
Senior	9-15 years	$98,000 - $115,000	Charge nurse or clinical leadership roles. Shift differentials can push this higher.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$110,000 - $135,000+	ICU, OR, or NP roles. Travel nursing can also hit these numbers.

Compared to other Florida cities, Davie is a middle-of-the-road performer. You’ll earn significantly more than in Jacksonville or Orlando (~$76k-$82k median), but less than in Miami or Tampa (~$95k-$105k median). The trade-off is clear: a slightly lower salary is often offset by more affordable housing and a less frantic pace of life than downtown Miami.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $89,116 is meaningless without knowing what it actually pays for. In Florida, you have a major advantage: no state income tax. However, you’ll still face federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and other deductions.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single RN earning the median salary ($89,116/year), using the average 1BR rent of $1,621/month in Davie.

Category	Monthly Amount	Annual Amount	Notes
Gross Salary	$7,426	$89,116	Based on median data.
Federal Tax (Est.)	-$950	-$11,400	Progressive, depends on filing status.
FICA (7.65%)	-$568	-$6,817	Standard deduction.
Net Take-Home	$5,908	$70,899	After federal taxes and FICA.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,621	-$19,452	Average for Davie metro.
Utilities	-$200	-$2,400	Electric, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	-$5,400	Essential in suburban SW Florida.
Groceries	-$400	-$4,800	Moderate budget.
Health Insurance (Employer)	-$150	-$1,800	Varies by hospital.
Misc/Discretionary	-$500	-$6,000	Dining out, entertainment, savings.
Remaining / Savings	$1,587	$19,044	Approx. 22% of take-home pay.

This budget leaves a solid $1,587 per month for savings, emergency funds, or extra debt payments. It’s a manageable margin for a single person. For a family, this would be tighter, likely requiring a dual-income household.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Davie and surrounding areas (like Weston or Plantation) is roughly $450,000. With a $1,587 monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with an FHA loan (3.5% down, or $15,750) and a good credit score, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be in the $2,800-$3,200 range. This is higher than the $1,621 rent but could be feasible if you have a partner or are willing to live in a smaller condo or townhome. Many local nurses buy in slightly more affordable areas like Miramar or Hollywood.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie itself is a mix of residential and light industrial, but it’s a strategic hub. You’re within a 15-20 minute drive of some of the largest healthcare systems in South Florida. The job market is robust, but competition is fierce for the best positions.

1. Memorial Regional Hospital (Hollywood): A Level I Trauma Center and the flagship of the Memorial Healthcare System. It’s about a 15-minute commute from Davie. They have massive ER, ICU, and Med-Surg units. Hiring trend: Constant. They have a strong new grad residency program and are always looking for experienced nurses, especially for critical care.

2. Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale): Another Level I Trauma Center, part of the public hospital system. It’s a 20-25 minute commute. Known for high-acuity cases and a diverse patient population. Hiring trend: Steady, with a focus on specialties. They often have hiring events and are known for good benefits for full-time staff.

3. Weston Regional HealthPark (Weston): Part of the HCA Healthcare system, this is a newer, modern facility right next to Davie. It’s a community hospital with an ER and surgical services. Hiring trend: Growing. It’s less intense than the Level I trauma centers, making it a good fit for nurses who want acute care without the extreme pressure. Commute is under 10 minutes from most of Davie.

4. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (Hollywood): Adjacent to Memorial Regional, this is a premier pediatric facility. If you have a passion for pediatrics, this is the place. Hiring trend: Competitive. They look for experience or a strong pediatric interest. Salaries can be at the higher end due to specialization.

5. Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System (Fort Lauderdale): The VA clinic and hospital network offers federal benefits and a different pace. The Fort Lauderdale VA Medical Center is about a 20-minute drive. Hiring trend: Slow and bureaucratic. Hiring is infrequent, but when they do hire, it’s for long-term, stable positions with excellent benefits.

6. Local Urgent Care & Specialty Clinics: Companies like CareSpot, MedExpress, and local dermatology or orthopedic practices. These offer a 9-5 schedule, great for work-life balance. Hiring trend: Consistent for experienced nurses with ER or primary care backgrounds.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are posted on the hospital system’s own career websites first, before being blasted on Indeed. Set up job alerts directly with Memorial, Broward Health, and HCA. Also, network on LinkedIn with nurses who work at these hospitals; many positions are filled through internal referrals.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific steps. If you’re already an RN in another state, you’ll be applying for Licensure by Endorsement. If you’re a new grad, it’s Examination.

For Endorsement (Experienced RNs from another state):

1. Verify Your License: Your current state must have a compact or verified license. Florida is not part of the NURSE Compact (yet), so you’ll need to apply directly.
2. Submit Application: The Florida Board of Nursing uses the CBT (Credentialing and Background Check) system. The application fee is $175.
3. Fingerprinting: You must complete a fingerprint background check through a LiveScan vendor. The fee is $60-$80.
4. Transcripts: Have your nursing school send official transcripts directly to the Florida Board.
5. Wait Time: Processing can take 4-8 weeks. You can work under a temporary license (good for 90 days) while the full license is processed.

For New Graduates (NCLEX):

1. Apply to the Board: Same application process ($175 fee).
2. Register for NCLEX: Through Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee).
3. Get Authorization to Test (ATT): Once the Board approves your application.
4. Schedule and Pass NCLEX.
5. License Issuance: Once you pass, your license is active.

Total Estimated Cost: $435 - $455 (Application + Fingerprinting + NCLEX for new grads).

Timeline: For a new grad, from graduation to holding an active license can be 2-4 months. For endorsement, it’s 1-2 months with a temporary license. Start the process before you move if possible.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Davie is vast, and your choice of neighborhood will drastically affect your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Davie (Central): The heart of town, near Nova Southeastern University. Young, vibrant, with lots of apartments and townhomes. Close to everything, but traffic on Davie Road can be heavy. Commute: 5-15 mins to most employers. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,800/month.

2. Western Acres / Rolling Hills: Western part of Davie, more suburban and spacious. Closer to Weston and the Weston Regional HealthPark. Quieter, family-oriented, with larger homes (fewer apartments). Commute: 5-10 mins to Weston, 20 mins to Memorial. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700/month (though apartments are rarer).

3. Miramar (Adjacent): Technically a separate city, but a 5-minute drive east. More affordable and densely populated, with a large medical community. Home to the Miramar Civic Center and easy access to I-75. Commute: 10-20 mins to all major hospitals. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,650/month.

4. Plantation (Adjacent): To the east, a bit more upscale. Has its own hospital (Plantation General) and a great downtown area (The Fountains). Commute to Davie jobs is easy via Sunrise Blvd. Commute: 15-25 mins. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,000/month.

5. Sunrise (Adjacent): Home to the Sawgrass Mills Mall and the BB&T Center. More commercial, with apartments and condos. Good access to I-595. Commute: 15-20 mins. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,750/month.

Insider Tip: Traffic in South Florida is a real factor. If you work at Memorial Regional in Hollywood, living in central Davie or Miramar is ideal. If you work at Weston Regional, the western neighborhoods of Davie or Weston itself are best. Avoid living east of I-95 if you work west of it, as the daily commute across the Everglades is a bottleneck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth for RNs in Davie is a solid foundation, but your real growth comes from specialization. The generalist RN will see steady, incremental raises. The specialist will see a significant premium.

Specialty Premiums (Local Market Estimates):

• ICU/CCU: +$5,000 - $10,000 annually over Med-Surg.
• OR/Perioperative: +$7,000 - $12,000 annually. Highly sought after.
• Emergency Room: +$4,000 - $8,000 annually. Shift differentials are high.
• Labor & Delivery / NICU: +$6,000 - $10,000 annually. Requires certification (RNC-OB or CCRN).
• Home Health / Case Management: Often salaried, can range from $80,000 - $95,000, with no night/weekends.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals (Memorial, Broward Health) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN II or III comes with a pay bump (often $2,000-$5,000).
2. Charge Nurse / Supervisor: This is a leadership role, requiring 3-5 years of experience. Salary can jump to $95,000+.
3. Advanced Practice: Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a game-changer. It requires a Master’s degree (2-3 years). Local NPs in Davie can earn $110,000 - $130,000.
4. Travel Nursing: The Florida market, especially in the winter, is a hotspot for travel nurses. Contracts can pay $2,500 - $4,000/week for 13-week assignments, often in Davie-area hospitals.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth means the demand will remain. The aging population of South Florida and the influx of retirees (the “Silver Tsunami”) will keep hospital beds full. The key will be adapting to new technologies (telemedicine, AI documentation) and pursuing certifications. The market rewards those who specialize early.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Davie offers a compelling middle path for RNs: above-average pay without the extreme cost of living of Miami or the intense, city-center chaos. It’s a suburban hub with easy access to world-class hospitals and a relaxed, Florida lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average salary ($89,116 median).	High cost of living (Index 111.8). Rent is a major expense.
No state income tax, boosting take-home pay.	Car dependency. You need a reliable vehicle; public transport is limited.
Proximity to top-tier employers (Memorial, Broward Health).	Traffic congestion on I-595, I-75, and Sunrise Blvd during rush hour.
Diverse housing options from apartments to single-family homes.	Hurricane risk. You must budget for insurance and be prepared for storms.
Stable job market with 6% 10-year growth.	Competitive market for the best hospital positions and specialties.
Suburban lifestyle with parks, nature preserves, and family-friendly vibe.	Limited nightlife compared to Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

Final Recommendation: Davie is an excellent choice for mid-career RNs (3-8 years) looking to buy a home or start a family without sacrificing career opportunities. It’s also great for new grads who want to work in high-acuity hospitals but prefer a more manageable living environment. It may be less ideal for a single RN who craves a walkable, urban environment and vibrant nightlife, or for those unwilling to manage a car-centric lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate RN in Davie?
Yes, but you need to be proactive. The major hospital systems (Memorial, Broward Health) have structured new graduate residency programs. Apply to these directly. Competition is high, so get your application in early (often before graduation). Having a Florida license by the time you apply is a huge advantage.

2. How does the pay compare if I’m a travel nurse?
Travel nursing in South Florida is lucrative, especially from December to April (“snowbird season”). A travel RN in the Davie area can earn $2,500 - $4,000/week (tax-free stipends included). This is significantly higher than the staff median of $89,116, but you lack benefits and job security. Many travel here for 1