Registered Nurse in Georgetown, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Georgetown, Texas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

As a local who has worked in the healthcare scene here for a decade, let’s cut to the chase: Georgetown offers a solid, if not spectacular, salary for Registered Nurses, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for an RN in Georgetown is $85,450/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.08/hour. This positions you slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but that slight difference is rendered almost meaningless once you account for housing costs, which we’ll get into below.

The job market is active but tight. There are approximately 866 nursing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady. It reflects a stable, established healthcare system rather than a boomtown. For an RN, this means you’re not walking into a hiring frenzy, but you’re also not facing a saturated, hyper-competitive market.

To give you a clearer picture of how your experience translates to dollars here, here’s a typical breakdown for the region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Georgetown Area)	Key Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $78,000	Typically starts in Med-Surg, LTC. Sign-on bonuses are common.
Mid-Career (3-9 yrs)	$82,000 - $92,000	This is where the median falls. Specialization starts to pay off.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$90,000 - $105,000	Charge nurse roles, specialty certifications (CCRN, OCN).
Expert (20+ yrs)	$98,000 - $115,000+	Management, NP roles, per-diem at premium rates.

Now, let’s compare this to other major Texas hubs. Georgetown is part of the larger Austin metro, but it’s a different world. Austin proper has a higher median salary (closer to $90,000 - $95,000), but the rent and home prices are significantly steeper. In Houston and Dallas, salaries can be slightly higher, but the cost of living and commute times are often more grueling. Georgetown offers a "Goldilocks" zone: big-city healthcare access with a small-town commute, and a cost of living that makes your paycheck go further.

Insider Tip: The $85,450 median is heavily influenced by the large pool of experienced nurses at the major hospital systems. Don’t be surprised if you see offers clustered around that number. Negotiation is key, especially if you have a specialty certification or can work nights/weekends.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $85,450 looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Georgetown?

First, the taxes. In Texas, there is no state income tax, which is a massive boost. However, you will have federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. For a single filer, take-home pay after federal taxes is typically around $65,000 - $68,000 annually, or about $5,400 - $5,700 per month, depending on your withholdings and deductions.

Now, let’s factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Georgetown is $1,220/month. This is a key metric. It means housing costs are roughly 21-23% of your take-home pay, which is well within the recommended 30% rule. This is the single biggest advantage of living here versus Austin.

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

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,500	After federal taxes, health insurance, and 401(k) contribution
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,220	Varies by neighborhood (see next section)
Utilities (Elec/Water/Gas)	$150	Texas summers can spike A/C costs
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average
Gas/Commuting	$120	Based on commute to local hospitals
Student Loans	$300	Varies widely; federal average is ~$222
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Georgetown has a growing scene
Savings/Investments	$1,660	This is the key. The low rent allows for significant savings.
Miscellaneous	$500	Healthcare co-pays, personal care, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Georgetown is around $350,000 - $380,000. With the $1,660/month left in this budget, you could comfortably save a $20,000 down payment in just over a year. A mortgage on a $360,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $2,100/month (including taxes and insurance), which is higher than rent but still manageable on an RN salary, especially with a dual-income household. This is a stark contrast to Austin, where the median home price is nearly double.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown’s healthcare landscape is anchored by a few key players. The job market is heavily influenced by the presence of a major university and a large, growing population of retirees, which means steady demand for both hospital and long-term care services.

1. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital: This is the 800-pound gorilla. Part of the St. David’s HealthCare system (owned by HCA), it’s a full-service hospital with an ER, cardiac care, orthopedics, and a growing surgical wing. They are the largest single employer of nurses in the city. Hiring is constant, but they often prefer candidates with some experience. They offer solid benefits and tuition reimbursement.
2. The Georgetown Clinic (Baylor Scott & White): A major outpatient and specialty clinic hub. Baylor Scott & White is a dominant force in Central Texas. This is a great place to find roles in primary care, oncology, and specialty clinics. The pace is generally more predictable than the ER, and the benefits are excellent.
3. Round Rock Medical Center: Located just south of Georgetown in Round Rock, this is another major HCA hospital. The commute is easy (15-20 minutes on I-35). It’s a high-volume facility with a Level III Trauma designation, offering diverse experience.
4. Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute: A dedicated inpatient psychiatric facility. If you have interest or experience in mental health nursing, this is a primary employer. The demand for psych nurses is high nationally, and this facility serves a wide catchment area.
5. The Wesleyan at Georgetown (Senior Living): A large, upscale senior living community. The demand for nurses in long-term care, assisted living, and memory care is robust due to the aging population. This is a steady, predictable work environment.
6. Texas State University: The university has a growing health services department for its students. While not a traditional RN role, it’s a unique opportunity for school health nursing with a different pace and population.
7. Private Primary Care & Specialty Practices: Scattered throughout the city (especially in the Sun City area and around the Georgetown Mall), there are numerous private practices. These are often hidden gems for work-life balance, though pay may be slightly lower than hospital systems.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable push toward outpatient and ambulatory care. As the population grows, so does the need for clinics and preventative care. Hospitals are always hiring, but the fastest growth is in the clinic and senior living sectors.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is your destination. Texas is a compact state (NLC), meaning if you hold a license in another NLC state, you can practice here without changing your license. If you're not from a compact state, the process is straightforward but requires planning.

Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement:

• Current, Active RN License: Must be in good standing in your home state.
• Education: Verification of your nursing education from an accredited program.
• NCLEX: You must have passed the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Fingerprints: Texas requires electronic fingerprints for a background check.
• Jurisprudence Exam: A 30-question online exam on Texas nursing law. It’s open-book and must be passed with a 75% or higher.

Timeline and Cost:

• Processing Time: The Texas BON is efficient but backlogged. Plan for 4-8 weeks from the time you submit your complete application to receiving your license. Start this process as soon as you have a job offer or a solid lead.
• Costs:
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $10
  • Fingerprinting: ~$40 (varies by vendor)
  • Total: ~$150

Insider Tip: The biggest delay is often missing documents. Use the Texas BON’s online portal to track your application status. If you’re coming from a compact state, ensure your primary state of residence is correctly listed. Texas does not issue a "temporary" permit while waiting for endorsement; you cannot work until the permanent license is in hand.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Georgetown’s neighborhoods are defined by I-35 and Highway 29. Commute is everything.

1. Historic Georgetown (Downtown):

   • Vibe: Charming, walkable, with a square full of shops and restaurants. Older homes, some apartments.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to St. David’s Georgetown Hospital (if you live close). 5-10 minute drive to others.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month for a 1BR. More for a historic home.
   • Best For: Those who want character, an active social life, and a short commute.

2. Sun City Georgetown (55+ Active Adult Community):

   • Vibe: The "city within the city." Meticulously maintained, full of amenities (golf courses, pools, clubs). It’s a huge employer for nurses.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to all major hospitals and clinics.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,800/month for a 1BR villa. Strict age restrictions for residents, but you can work here without living here.
   • Best For: Nurses working in geriatric care or those who love an organized, amenity-rich environment.

3. Parker Ranch / Berry Creek:

   • Vibe: Newer, master-planned suburbs with excellent schools. Family-oriented, quiet, with lots of parks.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to St. David’s, 10 minutes to Baylor clinics.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,400/month for a 1BR in a newer complex.
   • Best For: Nurses with families or those looking for a modern home in a good school district.

4. The Summit at Lake Georgetown:

   • Vibe: A mix of upscale apartments and townhomes near the lake and golf courses. More upscale, quieter than downtown.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most destinations.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month.
   • Best For: Those seeking a peaceful, scenic environment with easy access to outdoor recreation.

5. Outer I-35 Corridor (South Georgetown):

   • Vibe: More affordable, newer apartments and rental homes. Closer to Round Rock’s shopping and dining.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to Round Rock Medical Center, 15-25 minutes to Georgetown hospitals (traffic on I-35 can be a factor).
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250/month. The most budget-friendly option.
   • Best For: Nurses working at Round Rock Medical Center or those who prioritize rent savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Georgetown is not a place for rapid, dramatic career jumps, but it’s an excellent place to build depth and stability.

• Specialty Premiums: Your greatest leverage for higher pay is specialization. Certifications are gold here.
  • Critical Care (CCRN): Adds $5-$8/hour (~$10k+/year).
  • Oncology (OCN): Adds $4-$7/hour.
  • ER/Trauma (CEN): Adds $3-$6/hour.
  • Psych (PMH-BC): In high demand, with premiums of $3-$5/hour.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is bedside to Charge Nurse, then to Unit Manager or Clinical Nurse Educator. For a bigger jump, many Georgetown RNs eventually pursue an MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). The local universities (Texas State, Georgetown College) offer strong graduate programs.
• 10-Year Outlook (Growth: 6%): The stable 6% growth means the market will grow with the population. You won’t see the explosive job creation of a tech hub, but you’ll see steady openings due to retirement and turnover. The growth will be in outpatient care, home health, and senior services. The hospital jobs will remain, but the real opportunities for new grads and mid-career nurses will be in the expanding network of clinics and home health agencies serving the aging population.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes further, especially in housing.	Limited Nightlife: It’s a quiet town; Austin’s scene is a 30-45 minute drive.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major hospital systems and a growing senior population.	Traffic on I-35: The main artery can be congested, especially during rush hour.
Short Commutes: Easy access to all major employers from most neighborhoods.	Slower Pace: Less "big city" energy and fewer major cultural events.
Great for Families: Top-rated schools, safe, community-oriented.	Limited Specialty Roles: Highly specialized roles (e.g., pediatric ICU) may require commuting to Austin.
Proximity to Austin: You get the benefits of the Austin metro area (airport, concerts, dining) without the Austin price tag.	Weather: Texas summers are brutally hot and humid for 3-4 months.

Final Recommendation:
Georgetown is an excellent choice for the pragmatic RN. It’s ideal for mid-career nurses looking to buy a home, start a family, or save aggressively for the future. It’s also perfect for new grads who want a supportive environment with strong mentorship programs at the major hospitals, without the overwhelming competition of a larger city. If your priority is career growth in a high-energy, ultra-competitive environment with endless specialty options, you might be happier in Houston or Dallas. But if you value work-life balance, financial stability, and a community feel, Georgetown is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. I’m a new graduate. Is it hard to get a job in Georgetown?
It’s competitive, but doable. The major hospitals (St. David’s, Round Rock) have formal nurse residency programs for new grads. Apply early and broadly. Consider starting in a nursing home or clinic to get your foot in the door; they often have lower experience requirements and can be a stepping stone to a hospital job after 1-2 years.

2. What’s the real cost of commuting to Austin for a job?
It’s a significant trade-off. The drive on I-35 can be 30-60 minutes each way, depending on traffic. You’ll spend an extra $200-$300/month on gas and tolls (if you use the express lanes). For many, the higher Austin salary is offset by the commute cost and stress. For the $85,450 Georgetown median, you can live comfortably here without the Austin grind.

3. How is the nursing community in Georgetown?
It’s tight-knit and supportive. Because the major hospitals are the primary employers, there’s a lot of cross-pollination. You’ll run into colleagues at the grocery store and local restaurants. There are active chapters of the Texas Nurses Association and various specialty nursing groups. It’s less anonymous than in a giant city system.

4. Do I need a car in Georgetown?
Yes, unequivocally. Georgetown is designed for cars. Public transit (the Georgetown Transit) exists but is limited and not practical for commuting to work. You will need a reliable vehicle.

5. What about Spousal Employment?
Georgetown’s job market outside of healthcare is more limited. However, its position in the Austin metro means many residents commute to Austin, Round Rock, or Taylor for jobs in tech, education, and manufacturing. The shorter commute from Georgetown (comp