The Complete Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Killeen, TX

If you're a registered nurse (RN) considering a move to Killeen, you're looking at a city shaped by Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), a major military installation that drives the local economy and healthcare demand. As a local, I can tell you that Killeen isn't your typical Texas city—it's a unique blend of transient military families, long-term residents, and a growing healthcare sector that supports one of the largest active-duty populations in the country.

This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground insight. We'll break down what you can realistically expect to earn, where your money will go, which employers are hiring, and how to navigate the local job market. Let's get into the details.

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

Killeen's nursing salaries are competitive for Central Texas, but they don't reach the levels you'd find in major metros like Austin or Dallas. The median salary for an RN in Killeen is $83,952/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.36. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but the lower cost of living helps offset that difference.

The job market is solid. The metro area has 1,436 RN jobs available, reflecting consistent demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local projections, the 10-year job growth for RNs in this region is 6%, which is healthy and driven by an aging population and the expansion of healthcare services to support the military community.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly based on experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Killeen, TX)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$78,000 - $92,000
Senior	8-15 years	$90,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialized	15+ years (e.g., ICU, ER, NP)	$100,000 - $120,000+

These ranges are based on local job postings and salary surveys. Insider Tip: Nurses with certifications in critical care (CCRN) or emergency nursing (CEN) can command salaries at the higher end of these ranges, especially at the larger hospital systems.

How Killeen Compares to Other Texas Cities

While Killeen offers a lower salary than major metros, its affordability is a key advantage. The table below compares Killeen to other Texas cities with significant healthcare markets.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Healthcare Employers
Killeen	$83,952	91.8	Baylor Scott & White, Carl R. Darnall Medical Center
Austin	$93,000+	117.5	St. David's, Ascension Seton, Dell Med
Dallas	$88,000+	103.2	Texas Health, Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern
Houston	$87,000+	96.5	HCA, Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann
San Antonio	$82,000	92.1	Methodist, University Health, Brooke Army Med Ctr

As you can see, Killeen's salary is competitive with San Antonio and slightly below Dallas and Houston, but its extremely low cost of living makes your paycheck go much further than in Austin or Dallas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. The median RN salary of $83,952 sounds good, but what's left after Uncle Sam and the landlord?

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN in Killeen:

• Gross Monthly Salary: $6,996
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,900 (varies by filing status)
• Take-Home Pay (Est.): $5,096
• Average 1BR Rent: $900/month
• Remaining for Essentials & Savings: $4,196

This leaves you with a comfortable buffer for utilities ($150), groceries ($400), car payment/insurance (~$400), healthcare, and savings. The Cost of Living Index of 91.8 means everyday expenses (groceries, transportation, healthcare) are about 8% cheaper than the national average.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Killeen metro is around $225,000. With a $5,000/month take-home, you could comfortably afford a mortgage payment of around $1,500/month (including taxes and insurance). A 20% down payment on a $225,000 home is $45,000—achievable with disciplined saving over 2-3 years. Many local lenders offer favorable terms for healthcare professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by a few key players. Insider Tip: Military spouses often get hiring preference at certain facilities, but civilian nurses are in high demand, especially at the major hospital systems.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The largest private hospital in the area. It's a Level III Trauma Center and the primary destination for most serious medical cases in the region. They have strong cardiac, orthopedic, and surgical programs. Hiring is steady for Med/Surg, ICU, and ER nurses.
2. Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC): The on-post military hospital serving Fort Cavazos. While many positions require a security clearance (TSA) or specific veteran/military spouse status, there are civilian RN positions available (often through contractors like General Dynamics or Humana). The patient population is unique and offers unparalleled experience in trauma and military medicine.
3. AdventHealth Central Texas: Located in nearby Temple (about a 25-minute drive), this is a major employer for Killeen residents. It's a large system with a Level II Trauma Center, extensive specialties, and often has more diverse openings than the Killeen-specific hospitals. Many Killeen nurses commute here for specialized roles.
4. Temple Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Also in Temple, the VA offers stable federal employment with excellent benefits. They prioritize veterans in hiring, but civilian RNs are needed. Specialty areas include long-term care, mental health, and outpatient clinics.
5. Local Outpatient Clinics & LTC Facilities: Killeen has a network of dialysis centers (DaVita, Fresenius), outpatient surgery centers, and nursing homes (e.g., Brookdale, local skilled nursing facilities). These are great for work-life balance and often have more predictable hours.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like AccentCare or Visiting Nurse Association of Texas have offices servicing Killeen and the surrounding rural areas. This is a growing field for autonomous, patient-focused nurses.

Hiring Trends: Demand is highest for Med/Surg, ICU, and ER nurses. There's a growing need for nurses with experience in telehealth and outpatient case management, driven by the military's focus on remote and preventative care.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're coming from another state, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is your governing body. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

1. Endorsement Application: If you hold a compact state license (most states are part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC)), you can practice in Texas immediately upon establishing residency. If not, you must apply for licensure by endorsement.
2. Requirements: You need a valid, active RN license from another state, proof of graduation from an approved nursing program, and a clean disciplinary record. You must also complete a 2-hour Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (free, online).
3. Costs: The application fee is $100. There may be additional fees for background checks.
4. Timeline: The endorsement process typically takes 4-6 weeks once all documents are submitted. Start this process as soon as you accept a job offer. You cannot work as an RN in Texas without an active Texas or compact license.
5. Insider Tip: The Texas BON website is your best resource. It's meticulously organized. Have your transcripts and license verification ready to upload.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Choosing where to live depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s perspective:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
South Killeen	Quiet, family-oriented, more established homes. 10-15 min drive to BS&W.	$850 - $1,050	Excellent. Close to BS&W and I-14 for quick access to Temple.
West Killeen/Harker Heights	Growing suburbs, newer apartments, good schools. 15-20 min to BS&W, 30 min to CRDAMC.	$900 - $1,200	Good. Easy access to highways.
Central Killeen (near Downtown)	Older, more affordable. Walkable to some amenities but can be transitional. 5-10 min to most employers.	$750 - $950	Excellent. Central to everything.
Copperas Cove	Small town, 15 min west of Killeen. Very affordable, tight-knit community. 20-25 min commute.	$700 - $900	Fair. Requires commuting to Killeen or Temple for most hospital jobs.
Nolanville/Belton	Rural, very affordable. 20-30 min commute. For those who want space and quiet.	$650 - $850	Poor. Long commutes to any hospital.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Killeen, but the morning and evening rush hours see a spike on I-14 and Highway 190. Living on the same side of town as your workplace is a huge quality-of-life win. If you work at AdventHealth in Temple, consider neighborhoods in west Killeen or Harker Heights for a straight shot down I-35.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Killeen is a fantastic place to build a career, especially if you're strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: While no official "premium" data exists for Killeen, anecdotal evidence from local recruiters shows:
  • ICU/ER: Can earn $5-10/hour more than Med/Surg base pay.
  • Labor & Delivery: Highly competitive, with a small premium.
  • OR/Perioperative: Strong demand, with experience commanding higher rates.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from bedside RN to charge nurse, then to unit manager or director. Baylor Scott & White and AdventHealth both have robust internal ladders. Many nurses also use Killeen as a launchpad to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Texas Woman's University and University of Texas at Arlington offer excellent graduate programs with online components, making it feasible while working.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth, the market will remain strong. The key will be specialization. As telehealth expands and the military invests in preventative care, nurses with skills in informatics, chronic disease management, and remote care coordination will be especially valuable.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living allows for savings and homeownership.	Limited specialty practice in some fields; you may need to commute to Temple/Austin for niche roles.
Stable, large employer base in healthcare (military & civilian).	The "military town" culture can feel transient; social circles can be tied to base rotations.
Minimal traffic and commute times compared to major metros.	Fewer entertainment/arts options than larger cities (though Austin is only 60-75 min away).
Strong sense of community and patriotic spirit.	Salary, while good, lags behind national average—but this is offset by low costs.
Excellent platform for home ownership and building family life.	Summers are hot and humid, and tornadoes are a seasonal risk.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for a nurse who prioritizes financial stability, home ownership, and a manageable pace of life. It's ideal for those with a family, or for a new grad who wants to build significant savings early in their career. If you crave the bustle of a major cultural hub, you might find it limiting. However, its proximity to Austin and Temple provides easy access to wider opportunities. For the right person, the financial and quality-of-life benefits are compelling.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to get a job as a new grad in Killeen?
A: It's competitive but very possible. The large hospitals (Baylor Scott & White, AdventHealth) frequently run new grad residency programs. Apply early, tailor your resume to highlight clinical rotations, and be flexible with shifts (nights/weekends). Having your Texas license in hand before you apply is a huge advantage.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to work as a nurse in Killeen?
A: While not a strict requirement, it is a significant asset. The military community brings a diverse patient population, and Killeen has a sizable Spanish-speaking community. Bilingual nurses are highly valued by employers and often have an edge in hiring.

Q: What's the nurse-to-patient ratio like?
A: It varies by facility and unit. Texas does not have mandated state ratios. In Killeen's major hospitals, typical Med/Surg ratios are 1:5-6, ICU is 1:2, and ER can be variable. Always ask about ratios during your interview. Baylor Scott & White and AdventHealth generally aim for industry standards.

Q: How does the military presence affect my nursing career?
A: It's a double-edged sword. It provides a stable, large patient base (active duty, dependents, retirees) and creates a unique, high-acuity environment—especially for trauma and combat-related conditions. For civilian nurses, it also means competing for some jobs with military spouses who have hiring preference. However, experience at CRDAMC or with TRICARE patients is highly respected on a resume.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. The major hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies all offer flexible scheduling. Many nurses work a full-time day shift and pick up per-diem or weekend hours at a different facility to boost income. The demand is there, especially for nurses willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends.