Registered Nurse in Fremont, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Fremont, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

As a local who’s watched Fremont’s economy for years, I can tell you that the nursing salary here is a classic case of Midwest value. You won’t find the massive paychecks of coastal cities, but your money stretches much further. The median salary for an RN in Fremont is $83,617 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.20. This puts you slightly below the national average of $86,070, but that gap closes quickly when you factor in Fremont’s low cost of living.

When you compare it to other Nebraska cities, Fremont holds its own. Salaries in Omaha and Lincoln might be a few thousand higher, but the cost of living—especially housing—is significantly steeper. You get a strong, stable income in a community where your paycheck has real power.

Experience is, of course, the biggest driver of your earning potential. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Fremont area, based on local job postings and regional data.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown in Fremont

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	$34.60 - $37.50
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$83,617 (Median)	$40.20
Senior (10-19 years)	$92,000 - $98,000	$44.25 - $47.10
Expert/Specialized (20+ years)	$100,000+	$48.00+

These figures reflect base pay. Many local employers, especially the larger hospitals, offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour for nights/weekends) and on-call pay, which can add several thousand to your annual income. For example, a nurse working a consistent night shift at Fremont Health could realistically add $5,000 - $7,000 to their base salary annually through differentials alone.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $83,617 is an excellent benchmark, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Fremont?

Assumptions for a Single Earner:

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,617
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25% (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional)
• Average 1BR Rent: $859/month (Fremont's cost of living index is 90.5, vs. the US average of 100)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$6,968	$83,617 / 12
Net Pay (After Taxes)	~$5,226	25% estimated tax withholding
Housing (1BR)	$859	Average for a decent apartment
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season
Groceries	$350	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest car payment
Fuel	$120	Based on a 15-mile commute
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-subsidized plan
401(k)/Retirement (5%)	$348	Pre-tax contribution
Remaining Discretionary	~$1,799	For savings, debt, entertainment

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Fremont hovers around $220,000. With the discretionary income of nearly $1,800/month shown above, saving for a down payment is very feasible. A standard 20% down payment on a $220,000 home is $44,000. With disciplined saving, a nurse could reach this goal in 2-3 years without feeling pinched. This is a stark contrast to markets like Omaha, where median home prices are closer to $300,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

The job market for nurses in Fremont is stable and competitive, with a metro area of 245 jobs and a 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is steady, not explosive, driven by an aging population and the expansion of local health services. Here are the primary employers you need to know:

1. Fremont Health (CHI Health): This is the 800-pound gorilla of local healthcare. It’s a full-service acute care hospital, offering everything from Med/Surg and ICU to labor & delivery and oncology. They are the largest single employer of RNs in the area. Hiring trends show a constant need for experienced bedside nurses, with periodic openings for specialty roles. Insider tip: They have a strong reputation for internal education and often hire new grads into their residency program, but competition is fierce.

2. Fremont Regional Medical Center (FRMC): A key part of the Bryan Health network, FRMC is another major hospital player. It's a critical access hospital with a Level III Trauma designation. They often have a high demand for ER nurses, ICU staff, and swing-shift nurses. Their connection to the larger Bryan system can be a pathway to career advancement into system-level roles.

3. Midwest Regional Health Services: This is a large multi-specialty clinic associated with Fremont Health. It’s a fantastic option for RNs seeking a 9-to-5 schedule away from hospital shifts. They have high turnover in their infusion center and specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics), making it a good place to check for openings.

4. Miles Senior Living: For RNs interested in geriatrics or leadership, this is the premier skilled nursing and assisted living facility in town. They need DONs (Directors of Nursing), unit managers, and staff RNs for their long-term care units. The pace is different from a hospital but offers deep relationships with patients and families.

5. Local School Districts (Fremont Public Schools): The district employs RNs for student health services. These are highly coveted, single-shift jobs with summers and holidays off. They’re tough to get and often go to nurses with pediatric or community health experience.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Amedisys have a presence in Fremont. They need RNs for skilled visits, wound care, and IV therapy. This path offers incredible autonomy and a direct view into the community. Pay is often salaried or per visit, but it can be very lucrative for efficient nurses.

Getting Licensed in NE

If you’re moving from another state, the licensure process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Endorsement Process: Nebraska is a compact nursing (NLC) state. If you hold a multi-state license from another NLC state, you can practice in Nebraska without getting a new license. If you are from a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Board of Nursing.
• Requirements & Costs: You’ll need to submit an online application, pay a fee of $148.25, provide verification of your original license (often through NURSYS), and potentially complete a fingerprint-based background check. There is no requirement for additional CEUs for licensure by endorsement unless you’ve been out of practice for an extended period.
• Timeline: Start the process at least 8-12 weeks before your planned move. The board can take 4-6 weeks to process applications, and background checks can add delay. Insider tip: Create an account on the Nebraska DHHS website early to familiarize yourself with the portal. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Fremont is a compact city, so commutes are generally short. Your choice will come down to lifestyle and budget.

1. Downtown Fremont: The historic heart of the city. You’ll find gorgeous, older homes and a growing number of renovated apartments. It’s walkable, with local coffee shops and restaurants. Commute to Fremont Health or FRMC is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $750-$1,000 for a 1BR apartment.
2. Northeast Fremont (Near N. Bell St.): This area features newer housing developments, great schools, and a quiet, suburban feel. It’s very popular with young families and professionals. A commute to the hospitals is a quick 10-12 minutes. Rent Estimate: $850-$1,100 for a 1BR or 2BR apartment.
3. Southwest Fremont (Near the Platte River): This neighborhood offers larger lots and a more established, wooded feel. It’s a bit more spread out but provides a sense of peace. Commute is still easy, around 12-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $800-$1,000 for a 1BR.
4. Eastside (Near 23rd St.): This area is a mix of older, affordable housing and new apartments. It’s a practical choice for a new resident looking to minimize rent and save for a home. Commute to the medical district is 5-10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $700-$900 for a 1BR.
5. Outskirts (Near North Bend or Hooper): If you want true small-town living with a short drive, these neighboring communities are an option. You’ll get more house for your money, but you’ll be commuting 15-25 minutes. Great for those who want space and a slower pace. Rent Estimate: $700-$900 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Fremont is a place to build a solid, long-term career. While it may not have the hyper-specialization of a major academic medical center, there are clear paths for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications are a direct path to higher pay.
  • Critical Care (CCRN): Puts you in line for ICU or ER roles, often with a $2-$3/hour premium.
  • Oncology (OCN): Sought after at Bryan Health’s cancer centers or infusion clinics.
  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): Opens doors to staff development roles at Fremont Health or education in nursing programs at nearby Nebraska Wesleyan University or Metropolitan Community College.
• Advancement Paths: The most common trajectory is Bedside Nurse → Charge Nurse → Unit Manager → Director of Nursing. Many leaders at Fremont Health and FRMC have worked their way up from the floor. For those seeking a different path, the role of a Nurse Navigator (guiding patients through complex care systems) is becoming more common in specialty clinics.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is stable. The biggest factor will be the expansion of outpatient services and the growing need for home health and telehealth. An RN who invests in informatics or telehealth skills in the next 5 years will be exceptionally well-positioned for the next decade. The proximity to Omaha also means you can access advanced certifications and conferences without a long drive.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Fremont isn't for everyone. It’s a practical choice for nurses who value community, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s less about flashy career jumps and more about building a stable, rewarding life.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Your $83,617 salary goes much further here.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a quiet, family-oriented town.
Short Commutes: 5-15 minutes from any neighborhood to major employers.	Fewer Specialty Roles: You may need to go to Omaha for niche fields.
Stable, Growing Job Market: The 6% growth is reliable.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diversity than a major metro area.
Strong Community Feel: You’ll know your patients and neighbors.	Reliance on Omaha: For major airport trips or specialized shopping.
Easy Path to Homeownership: A realistic goal within a few years.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy, with the potential for blizzards.

Final Recommendation: Fremont is an ideal fit for the pragmatic, community-oriented RN. If you are a new graduate looking for a supportive environment to start your career, a mid-career nurse wanting to buy a home and raise a family, or a senior nurse seeking a lower-stress environment, you will thrive here. If you crave the energy of a big city, international cuisine, and a constant stream of new events, you may find it limiting.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new graduate RNs in Fremont?
A: It is moderately competitive. Larger employers like Fremont Health have formal residency programs, but they receive many applications. Applying early, having a strong clinical rotation in Nebraska (if possible), and being willing to work any shift (including nights) significantly increases your chances.

Q: What’s the cost of living really like compared to a major city?
A: Dramatically lower. For example, a 1BR apartment in Omaha averages $1,200/month, and in Chicago it's over $1,800. Your housing and overall expenses in Fremont could be 30-40% less, which is why the slightly lower salary is a net positive.

Q: Is it easy to travel from Fremont for a vacation or conference?
A: You’ll primarily use Eppley Airfield in Omaha (OMA), which is about a 45-minute drive. For a longer trip, you can also consider Lincoln (LNK), which is about an hour away. It’s convenient, but you must factor in that drive time for all your travel.

Q: How do the seasons affect nursing schedules in Fremont?
A: Winters can bring a spike in respiratory illnesses (flu, RSV) and weather-related accidents, increasing patient loads. Summers are generally steady. Be prepared for the possibility of a difficult commute during a major snowstorm, though hospitals are very good about planning for this.

Q: Are there opportunities for nurses to work outside the traditional hospital/clinic setting?
A: Yes. The Fremont Public Schools and Dodge County Health Department are key employers. There are also opportunities in occupational health for local manufacturing plants (like Hormel Foods or CSPC) and in the growing field of insurance review. Networking with nurses at the Nebraska Nurses Association local chapter meetings can uncover these less-advertised roles.