Registered Nurse in Decatur, AL

The Salary Picture: Where Decatur Stands

As a local who’s watched Decatur’s job market evolve from a steel-and-railroad town to a healthcare hub, let’s get straight to the numbers. Decatur’s nursing salaries are solid for the cost of living, but they don’t quite hit the national average. The median salary for an RN in Decatur is $83,513/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.15/hour. That’s about 3% below the national average of $86,070/year, but it goes much further here than in most places.

Here’s how pay typically stacks up by experience level in Decatur. These are local estimates based on current job postings and regional data:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	$34.62 - $37.50
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$80,000 - $88,000	$38.46 - $42.31
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$88,000 - $95,000	$42.31 - $45.67
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$95,000 - $105,000+	$45.67 - $50.48+

Compared to other Alabama cities, Decatur offers a balanced deal. Birmingham, with its larger hospital systems and higher cost of living, has a median salary around $85,200, but rent can be 20-30% higher. Huntsville, fueled by aerospace and tech, pays slightly more at a median of $86,500, but the competition is fiercer and the cost of living is creeping up. Mobile, on the Gulf Coast, has a similar median to Decatur ($84,100) but with a different lifestyle. Decatur’s strength is its stability. With 519 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, it’s not a boomtown, but it’s a reliable place to build a long-term career without the high-pressure competition of bigger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk about what that $83,513/year means in your bank account. In Alabama, a single filer with no dependents would pay approximately $17,500 in federal taxes (assuming standard deduction and 2023 brackets) and about $4,175 in state income taxes. Social Security and Medicare take another $6,389. That leaves a net take-home pay of roughly $55,449/year, or about $4,621/month.

Now, factor in Decatur’s cost of living. The city’s index is 90.1, meaning it’s about 10% cheaper than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment in the metro area averages $763/month. For a more targeted look, see the neighborhood breakdown below.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single RN earning the median:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,621	After taxes, 401k (3%), and health insurance
Rent (1BR Avg)	$763	Varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Decatur's mild summers help
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350	Competitive pricing at local chains
Health (copays, OTC)	$150	Even with insurance
Student Loans	$200	Average for a new grad
Discretionary	$800	Dining, entertainment, savings
Total Expenses	$2,813
Remaining/Savings	$1,808

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Decatur is around $180,000. With $1,808/month in surplus, a 20% down payment ($36,000) is achievable in about 20 months of aggressive saving. A typical mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would be around $1,000-$1,200/month, which is often less than renting a larger space. This is a key advantage for Decatur RNs looking for long-term stability.

Where the Jobs Are: Decatur's Major Employers

Decatur’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players, with some niche opportunities. Hiring is steady, especially for nurses with experience in med-surg, telemetry, and critical care. Here are the primary employers:

1. Decatur General Hospital (DGH): The largest employer. A 272-bed community hospital part of the Ascension system. They have a robust heart center, stroke center, and surgical services. Insider Tip: They run a well-regarded RN residency program for new grads. Hiring trends show consistent needs in the ER and ICU. Check their careers page directly, as internal postings often come up before they hit major job boards.

2. Morgan County Medical Center (MC2): A newer, 100-bed hospital in nearby Hartselle (10-minute drive). It’s known for a less bureaucratic environment and strong focus on community care. They often recruit for med-surg and home health roles. Hiring Trend: They’re expanding outpatient services, creating more 9-to-5 type nursing roles.

3. North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) in Florence: A 175-bed hospital part of the Ascension system, about a 30-minute commute. While not in Decatur proper, it’s a major regional draw. They have a Level III Trauma center and a comprehensive cancer institute. Insider Tip: They offer a shift differential for evenings/nights that can add $2-$4/hour to your base pay.

4. Huntsville Hospital System: This is the giant in the region. Their main campus in Huntsville (40-minute drive) is the state’s largest hospital with over 900 beds. They have a Decatur satellite clinic and a strong home health division. Hiring Trend: They are constantly recruiting for specialties and offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees.

5. Decatur Morgan Health System (DMHS): The private, non-profit backbone of local care. They operate a large multi-specialty clinic and several urgent care centers. Insider Tip: DMHS is the best place for outpatient roles, like school nursing or occupational health, which often have regular business hours.

6. Home Health Agencies (Amedisys, LHC Group): Several major agencies have offices in Decatur. These offer great flexibility and a different pace. Pay is often salaried or per-visit, but can be lucrative for experienced nurses who manage their schedule well.

7. Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care: Facilities like Riverwood and Decatur Health & Rehab are always in need of RNs for supervisory and administrative roles, especially in infection control and quality assurance.

Getting Licensed in AL

Alabama’s licensing process is straightforward and managed by the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN). For an RN moving from another state, the process typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Requirements:

• NCLEX-RN Passing Score: You must have passed the NCLEX.
• Compact State? Alabama is NOT a compact state. If your home state is not in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement.
• Application: Submit an application online through the ABN’s portal. You’ll need to verify your education (transcripts sent directly from your school) and request verification from your original state’s board of nursing.
• Fees: The application fee is $100, and the license fee is $50. Total: $150 (not including the NCLEX fee, which you’ve already paid).
• Background Check: Requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check via IdentoGO. Cost is approximately $50.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Now: Gather your transcripts and contact your current state’s nursing board for verification.
2. 1 Week: Create an account on the ABN website and submit your application and fees.
3. 2-3 Weeks: Complete the fingerprinting process.
4. 4-8 Weeks: The ABN processes your application. If all is in order, you’ll receive your Alabama license number electronically. You can start applying for jobs once you have a license number, even before the physical card arrives.

Pro Tip: Start this process at least two months before your planned move. You can apply for jobs and even have a conditional offer pending your Alabama license.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Decatur is divided by the Tennessee River, with the city center on the north side and more residential areas on the south. Proximity to hospitals is key, but so is lifestyle.

1. North Decatur (By DGH): This is the classic choice for convenience. You can bike or have a 5-10 minute drive to Decatur General. The area is filled with older, established homes and some newer apartments. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $700 - $900/month. Insider Tip: The streets behind the hospital (like 4th Ave) are quiet and safe, with easy access to the riverwalk.

2. South Decatur/Priceville: A growing area with newer subdivisions and more space. The commute to DGH is 10-15 minutes via the 6th Ave Bridge. It’s very family-friendly with good schools. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $650 - $800/month (more value for your money). Trade-off: You’ll deal with bridge traffic during peak hours.

3. Eagle Point/Oakview: Located in the southeast corner of the city, this area is popular with young professionals. It’s close to shopping (Target, Lowe’s) and has a decent commute (15 mins) to DGH via Highway 31. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $750 - $950/month. Lifestyle: More modern apartment complexes and a buzzing, younger vibe.

4. Bellevue: Just north of the city center, this area is historic and charming, with beautiful older homes. It’s a 10-minute drive to DGH and close to downtown Decatur’s revitalized square. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $800 - $1,100/month (fewer apartments, more historic rentals or condos). Best For: Nurses who value character and walkability.

5. Hartselle: Technically a separate town, but it’s only 10 minutes from Decatur’s hospitals and offers a small-town feel with a lower cost of living. It’s where many healthcare workers live. Rent Estimate: 1BR: $600 - $750/month. Insider Tip: The community is tight-knit; networking here is easy and personal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Decatur is a great place to gain experience and specialize without the pressure of a massive academic medical center.

• Specialty Premiums: In Decatur, you can expect a pay bump for:

  • ICU/CCU: $2-$4/hour differential.
  • ER: $1.50-$3/hour differential.
  • OR/Perioperative: Often salaried positions starting at $85,000+.
  • Labor & Delivery: $2-$3/hour differential, plus a strong sense of community.

• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder is from RN to Charge Nurse, to Nurse Manager, to Director of Nursing. An MSN can open doors to roles in education, infection control, or administration. Decatur General and Huntsville Hospital offer tuition reimbursement, which is critical for advanced degrees.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, the market is stable. The biggest trend is the expansion of outpatient and home-based care. Specializing in areas like wound care, diabetes education, or hospice will keep you in high demand. The growth of the Huntsville metro area spillover will also continue to benefit Decatur’s healthcare sector.

The Verdict: Is Decatur Right For You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely affordable cost of living. Your salary goes far.	Limited public transportation. A car is a necessity.
Stable job market with major employers and low turnover.	Slower pace of life. May feel limited if you crave big-city energy.
Short, manageable commutes. Most nurses live and work within a 15-minute radius.	Fewer specialty niche roles (e.g., no Level 1 Trauma or major research hospital).
Strong sense of community and Southern hospitality.	Social scene can be limited for young, single professionals.
Excellent for home ownership and long-term financial stability.	Climate can be very hot and humid in summer.

Final Recommendation: Decatur is an excellent choice for RNs who are financially minded, value work-life balance, and are looking to plant roots in a community. It’s ideal for mid-career nurses, those with families, or new grads who want to avoid crushing debt. If you’re a superstar nurse craving the cutting-edge of medical research or a nonstop urban vibe, you might look to Huntsville or Birmingham. But for 90% of nurses, Decatur offers a compelling, sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new RNs in Decatur?
It’s moderately competitive. Major hospitals like Decatur General run residency programs to capture new talent, but you should still apply early and be flexible with shift and unit. Having your Alabama license in hand before applying gives you a huge edge.

2. What’s the typical nursing schedule in Decatur?
Most hospital jobs are 12-hour shifts (day/night rotation). A common pattern is 3 days on, 4 days off. Many outpatient and home health roles follow a traditional 5-day, 40-hour week. Weekend and holiday shifts are standard, but often come with premium pay.

3. Are there opportunities for nurses with an ADN?
Yes. All major employers in Decatur hire ADN-prepared nurses. However, they strongly encourage and often subsidize RN-to-BSN programs. For leadership roles (manager, director), a BSN is typically required. Decatur State University and Calhoun Community College offer excellent local BSN programs.

4. How is the work-life balance for RNs here?
Very good compared to larger cities. The community is smaller, so staff often know each other, which can improve teamwork. The manageable commute and low cost of living reduce overall stress. Burnout is still a risk in high-acuity units, but the pace is generally less relentless than in major metro areas.

5. What’s the best way to network with other nurses in Decatur?
Join the Alabama Nurses Association (ANA) local district. Attend events hosted by the Decatur Morgan Health System. For home health and agency nurses, Facebook groups for North Alabama healthcare workers are surprisingly active and useful for job tips. The community is small—word of mouth is powerful.

Data Sources: Salary data primarily from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Decatur Metropolitan Area, supplemented by analysis of current job postings on Indeed, Glassdoor, and hospital career pages. Cost of living and rent data from U.S. Census Bureau and local real estate market reports. Licensing information from the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN).