Registered Nurse in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the healthcare landscape in Jackson for years, I can tell you the salary picture here is nuanced. You’re not going to find the mega-paychecks of bigger metros, but you’re also not dealing with their cost of living. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Jackson is $85,295/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.01/hour. This is slightly below the national average for RNs, which sits at $86,070/year.

The job market itself is small but stable. According to the latest data, there are only 96 nursing jobs in the metro area. This isn't a sprawling market like Denver or Salt Lake City; it's tight-knit. Over the past decade, the region has seen a 6% job growth rate for RNs. That’s modest, but it’s steady growth, reflecting both an aging population and the unique healthcare demands of a tourism-driven town.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,500 - $78,000	$34.85 - $37.50
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $90,000	$39.42 - $43.27
Senior (8-15 years)	$88,000 - $98,000	$42.31 - $47.12
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$95,000 - $110,000+	$45.67 - $52.88+

Insider Tip: Salaries in Jackson can be heavily influenced by specialty and shift differentials. Nurses working in the emergency department, ICU, or those with certifications (like CCRN, CEN) often command the higher end of these ranges. Night and weekend shifts can add 10-15% to your base pay, which is significant here.

How does this compare to other Wyoming cities? The state's overall median is close, but Jackson's unique economy creates a different dynamic. Cheyenne and Casper, as larger administrative and energy hubs, have more diverse job markets and slightly higher median salaries (often in the low $90,000s). However, their cost of living is also higher. Laramie, with its university, has a younger demographic but similar pay scales. Jackson's value isn't just in the paycheck; it's in the lifestyle and the specific type of clinical experience you gain in a critical access hospital setting.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. You can’t live on a median salary; you have to live on what’s left after taxes and housing. For a single earner making $85,295/year in Wyoming, you’re looking at a different financial picture than in most states. Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a massive advantage. Your federal tax burden will be your primary deduction.

Assuming you file as a single filer with the standard deduction for 2024, your approximate take-home pay after federal taxes and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) would be around $64,500 - $66,000 annually, or roughly $5,375 - $5,500 per month. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't account for health insurance premiums or retirement contributions (like a 401k or 403b), which will lower this further.

Now, let’s layer in the housing cost. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $921/month. This is a city-wide average that includes everything from older apartments on the town's fringe to newer complexes in South Park. If you allocate a reasonable 30% of your take-home pay to rent, you’d be looking at a budget of about $1,600/month, comfortably covering a 1BR. The average rent of $921 is well within that, leaving you with significant disposable income for utilities, groceries, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? The answer is maybe, but it’s a long-term game. The median home price in the Jackson metro is notoriously high, often exceeding $1.2 million, driven by the resort economy and limited land. This puts homeownership out of reach for most single RNs on a median salary, at least initially. However, it’s not impossible. Many healthcare professionals in Jackson buy homes in nearby towns like Wilson or Teton County (outside the immediate Jackson town limits), where prices are slightly lower (though still high). A dual-income household makes it much more feasible. In my experience, most nurses rent for the first few years while building savings and exploring options. The key is to view your salary as a stepping stone—you’re paying for the lifestyle and the unique clinical experience, not necessarily to build equity immediately.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The Jackson job market for RNs is small and dominated by a few key players. You won't be submitting 50 applications; you'll be targeting a handful of specific organizations. Here’s the lay of the land:

1. St. John’s Health (St. John’s Hospital): This is the primary employer and the heart of healthcare in Teton County. It’s a critical access hospital, meaning it provides essential services but often transfers complex cases. As an RN, you’ll find opportunities in Med/Surg, the Emergency Department, Labor & Delivery, and the Joint Replacement Center. Hiring is constant but competitive, as it’s the most stable employer in town. They offer robust benefits, including relocation assistance and potential student loan repayment for certain specialties.

2. Teton County Public Health: Located in downtown Jackson, this agency focuses on community health, immunizations, and public health nursing. Roles here are more community-based, often with regular business hours. It’s a great fit for nurses interested in preventative care and public health. Jobs are less frequent but offer excellent work-life balance.

3. Jackson Hole Medical Associates (JHMA): A large, multi-specialty private practice group. They operate numerous clinics (cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, etc.) and employ RNs for patient coordination, injections, and clinic flow management. These are often 8-5, Monday-Friday roles with no weekend or holiday duties, a huge draw for those with families.

4. Teton Therapy: This is the region’s leading outpatient rehabilitation provider (physical, occupational, speech therapy). They hire RNs for case management and sometimes for specialized roles in neurological or orthopedic rehab. It’s a fantastic environment for nurses who want to see patient progress over time rather than acute care.

5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Access Home Health Care and Empress Home Health serve the vast rural area around Jackson. These roles require independent practice, strong assessment skills, and a valid driver’s license with a clean record. They offer high autonomy and are ideal for experienced nurses who enjoy variety and community interaction.

6. The Town of Jackson: The municipal government employs nurses for its employee health clinic, which serves town staff and their families. It’s a unique, stable role with excellent municipal benefits and a predictable schedule.

Hiring Trends: There is a constant, low-level need for experienced nurses, especially in critical care and emergency settings. The post-pandemic era has seen a slight increase in demand for mental health services, which is a growing area for the county health department. Networking is key—many jobs are filled through professional connections before they’re ever advertised. Attending a local TNA (Teton Nursing Association) meeting is one of the best ways to hear about openings.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing process is straightforward but has its own timeline. You’ll work through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Here are the key steps and costs (as of 2024, always verify with the board for updates):

1. The Application: You apply online through the board’s website. If you’re already licensed in another state, you’ll apply for Licensure by Endorsement.
2. Fingerprinting & Background Check: This is mandatory. You must get fingerprints done at an approved location (often a local law enforcement agency or a third-party service). The cost is approximately $45 - $65 for the fingerprinting plus the board’s $50 background check fee.
3. Verification of Licensure: Your current state board must send a verification directly to Wyoming. There’s usually a fee for this, around $25 - $35.
4. NCLEX Pass: If you’re a new nurse, you must have passed the NCLEX. Your state board will verify this.
5. Fees: The total application fee for Licensure by Endorsement is $160. A temporary permit (good for 90 days) costs $25 and is highly recommended if you need to start working while waiting for the permanent license.

Timeline: The process from starting your application to holding your license in hand typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. You can expedite this by ensuring all documents are submitted correctly the first time. Wyoming is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning if you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like Colorado, Utah, or Montana), you can practice in Wyoming without an additional license. This is a huge benefit for nurses living in nearby states and seeking work in Jackson.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Jackson is small, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities. Your choice will depend on your desired commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate
Downtown / Town Center	Walkable, bustling, tourist-centric. Everything is close—grocery, work, recreation. Can be noisy and expensive. Ideal for someone who wants to be in the heart of it all.	$1,100 - $1,500+
South Park	Residential, family-friendly, and quiet. A 5-10 minute drive to downtown or the hospital. Offers more space and a suburban feel. A popular choice for healthcare workers.	$950 - $1,200
East Jackson / Rendezvous Mountain	More rural, on the eastern side of town. Lower density, more affordable housing options (like older cabins or apartments). Requires a 10-15 minute drive to the hospital but offers a quieter, mountain-adjacent lifestyle.	$800 - $1,050
Wilson (Teton County)	Technically a separate town, 15 minutes west. More of a true residential community with a strong local feel. Slightly lower rents than Jackson proper. Commute to the hospital is straightforward via Highway 22.	$900 - $1,300
Teton Village (The Village)	Home to the ski resort. Extremely high cost of living, with premium rents. Commute to St. John’s is 15-20 minutes. Only consider if you work at the resort’s medical clinic or are a dual-income household.	$1,500 - $2,500+

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a balance of affordability and a quick commute, South Park is often the sweet spot for nurses. The drive to the hospital is against the main tourist traffic flow, making it reliable. Always check the distance from your potential rental to your shift start time—in winter, a 5-minute difference can be the difference between a stress-free commute and being late due to snow.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Jackson will look different than in a major metro. The path is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening your specialty and becoming a community expert.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Critical Care (ICU, ED): Nurses with CCRN or CEN certifications can expect a $5,000 - $10,000 premium over the base median salary. These are the highest-demand and highest-paid roles locally.
• Perioperative (OR): The OR at St. John’s is a growing service. Experienced OR nurses are highly valued and can command salaries in the $88,000+ range.
• Case Management / Utilization Review: With St. John’s and the health system growing, these roles are expanding. They offer a move away from bedside care and into administrative/coordination work.
• Leadership: Pathways to Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, or Director roles exist, but they are limited due to the hospital's size. Many nurses find leadership opportunities in smaller clinics or by taking on roles with the county health department.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is expected to continue, driven by the aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. The biggest change will be in telehealth. Teton County is investing in broadband, which will allow for more remote patient monitoring and telehealth consultations, potentially creating new hybrid roles for RNs. The demand for nurses with experience in rural health, trauma, and chronic disease management will remain strong. Your long-term value in Jackson is your versatility and your ability to work autonomously in a resource-limited environment—skills that are highly respected and transferable if you ever decide to move.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

This isn’t a decision based on salary alone. It’s a lifestyle and career choice. Here’s a final breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Unmatched Outdoor Access: Skiing, hiking, fishing, and national parks are your backyard.	High Cost of Living (especially housing): While your salary may go further than in NYC, buying a home is a major challenge.
Unique Clinical Experience: Gain broad skills in a critical access hospital setting with diverse patient populations (from tourists to long-term residents).	Isolation & Small Community: Can feel insular; limited professional networking and social circles outside of healthcare.
No State Income Tax: Maximizes your take-home pay.	Seasonal Economy & Traffic: Summer and winter bring massive tourist influxes, affecting daily life and commuting.
Stable, Tight-Knit Job Market: Less competition for jobs compared to large cities.	Limited Career Advancement: Fewer rungs on the ladder than in a major medical center.
Strong Sense of Community: You become part of a group that cares for an entire region.	High Turnover in Support Roles: Can lead to staffing challenges and occasional burnout.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an exceptional choice for the right nurse. If you are an adventurous, resilient, and community-oriented professional who values outdoor lifestyle over urban amenities, and you’re willing to rent long-term or consider nearby towns for homeownership, this is a rewarding path. It’s ideal for mid-career nurses seeking a change of pace or new grads looking for a strong, supportive start in a less overwhelming environment. For those whose long-term goal is to climb a corporate ladder in a large hospital system or who require the amenities of a major city, Jackson may feel limiting. The key is to see your time here not as a dead-end, but as a unique chapter that builds unparalleled skills and resilience.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Jackson on a single RN salary?
Yes, comfortably if you are mindful of your budget. The median salary of $85,295 combined with low state taxes and an average rent of $921 for a 1BR makes it feasible. You won’t be saving for a down payment quickly, but you can afford a good quality of life, including recreation and dining out.

2. Will my experience in a large city hospital transfer well to Jackson?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s highly valued. St. John’s Health and local clinics often seek nurses with experience from larger, busier hospitals because they bring a depth of knowledge and can help elevate care standards. Your experience with higher acuity and complex protocols will be an asset.

3. What’s the winter commute like for nurses?
It requires preparation. The roads are plowed, but snow and ice are common. Most nurses in Jackson drive All-Wheel or 4-Wheel Drive vehicles. Living within a 15-minute drive of the hospital is wise. The hospital offers secure parking, but you should budget for snow tires and a block heater for your car. Many nurses carpool, especially on night shifts.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes. The small job market means that full-time, benefits-eligible positions are the norm, but there are per-diem roles, especially in home health and at the hospital for covering call-outs or extra shifts. This is a great way to get your foot in the door or supplement income.

5. How do I find housing as a newcomer?
Start your search early. The best resources are local Facebook groups (like "Jackson Hole Rentals & Roommates") and the classifieds in the Jackson Hole Daily newspaper. Be prepared to move fast—good rentals are snatched up within days. Be wary of scams; never wire money without seeing a place in person or through a verified local contact. Many nurses find their first place through word-of-mouth at their new job.