Registered Nurse in Longview, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

As someone who's watched the nursing market in East Texas for years, I can tell you Longview offers a solid middle-ground salary for Registered Nurses (RNs). The median salary here is $83,074/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $39.94/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, the local cost of living more than makes up for the difference. The Cost of Living Index of 88.4 means your dollar stretches about 12% further than the US average.

The job market is stable with 759 RN positions currently in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection of 6% aligns with national trends but reflects a mature healthcare market rather than explosive growth. Longview isn't a boomtown for healthcare—yet—but it's a reliable, established market.

Here's how salaries break down by experience level in the Longview area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	$32.69 - $36.06
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	$37.50 - $42.31
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	$40.87 - $45.67
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$92,000 - $110,000	$44.23 - $52.88

Compared to other Texas cities, Longview sits in a comfortable middle tier. Austin and Dallas pay significantly more (median RN salaries often $90K+), but the cost of living there is 20-30% higher. Smaller East Texas towns like Tyler or Marshall pay similar or slightly less. For cost-adjusted value, Longview is competitive for RNs who prioritize affordable housing and community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what $83,074/year actually means in Longview. After federal and state taxes (Texas has no state income tax), a single filer would take home approximately $62,300/year or $5,192/month. With the average 1BR rent at $930/month, you're left with about $4,262/month for all other expenses.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$930	Average for metro Longview
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	East Texas climate affects cooling costs
Groceries	$350	For one person, moderate spending
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in car-dependent Longview
Healthcare (Insurance Premiums)	$150	Through employer typically
Student Loans/Other Debt	$300	Varies by individual
Discretionary Spending	$500	Entertainment, dining, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,880
Remaining for Savings/Investment	$2,312/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Longview is around $210,000. With $2,312/month in available funds, a nurse could easily save $1,000/month toward a down payment. In 2.5 years, you'd have $30,000 (14% down). A $180,000 mortgage at current rates would be approximately $1,200/month plus taxes and insurance. This would still leave over $1,000/month for other expenses. Many RNs here own single-family homes in neighborhoods like Judson Road or Spring Hill.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key systems. As a local, I know which employers have the most opportunities and best reputations.

Christus Health Mother Frances Hospital is the largest employer in the region. With 350+ beds, it's the primary Level III trauma center for East Texas. They're consistently hiring for med-surg, ICU, and ER positions. Current trends show they're expanding their oncology and cardiology units. Insider tip: They offer a $10,000 sign-on bonus for night shift positions and tuition reimbursement for BSN completion.

Longview Regional Medical Center (part of the HCA Healthcare system) is the other major acute care hospital. It's a 225-bed facility with strong reputations in orthopedics and women's services. They're actively hiring for their new surgical pavilion. Their career ladder program is particularly good for nurses wanting to advance from staff RN to charge nurse.

Good Shepherd Medical Center in nearby Kilgore (15-minute drive) serves the broader East Texas region. Their $5,000 relocation bonus is competitive for out-of-area candidates. They're known for strong respiratory and cardiac programs.

East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) has a significant outpatient presence in Longview. Their home health and hospice divisions are growing rapidly, which is perfect for nurses seeking 8-5 schedules.

Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Centers like The Springs at Longview and Glenwood Health and Rehabilitation consistently need RNs for long-term care. These positions often offer consistent schedules but lower pay (typically $70K-$78K).

Outpatient Clinics are multiplying, especially in the South Longview medical corridor along Highway 259. The Longview Clinic and East Texas Eye Associates are examples where you'll find 8:30-5:30 schedules with no weekends.

The hiring trend is stable. We're seeing more focus on specialty certifications (like CCRN or OCN) and bilingual Spanish/English nurses. The market isn't desperate for bodies, but qualified nurses with 2+ years of experience can pick and choose.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is your governing body.

Requirements:

1. NCLEX-RN passing score must be on file with the BON
2. Background check through fingerprinting (cost: $40)
3. Application fee: $100 (initial license)
4. Proof of education from an accredited nursing program
5. Temporary permit available (valid 90 days) while processing

Timeline:

• NCLEX results to BON: 2-3 weeks after exam
• Background check processing: 4-6 weeks
• Total processing time: 6-8 weeks typically
• Expedited processing available for $50 extra (4-5 weeks)

Costs:

• NCLEX exam: $200
• State application fee: $100
• Background check: $40
• Fingerprinting: $30-50 at local sites
• Total: $370-440

Insider tip: Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you're coming from another NLC state (like Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico), you can practice on your multistate license immediately and apply for Texas endorsement (cost: $50) within 30 days.

For new grads, Texas offers a graduate nurse permit (90 days) while waiting for NCLEX. Longview hospitals often hire GNs with conditional offers pending NCLEX passage.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Longview's neighborhoods vary significantly in character and commute. Here's the local perspective:

1. Judson Road Area (North Longview)

• Rent for 1BR: $850-950
• Commute to hospitals: 10-15 minutes to both major hospitals
• Vibe: Established, middle-class subdivisions, walkable to shopping
• Best for: Nurses who want convenience and community feel
• Local insight: The Judson Road corridor has the best grocery stores and restaurants. Weekend farmers market in the spring.

2. Spring Hill (West of I-20)

• Rent for 1BR: $900-1,100 (newer complexes)
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to hospitals, but easy highway access
• Vibe: Younger families, newer developments, excellent schools
• Best for: Nurses with children or planning families
• Insider tip: Spring Hill Elementary is one of the best in the district. The Spring Hill Village Shopping Center is expanding with new restaurants.

3. South Longview / Highway 259 Corridor

• Rent for 1BR: $750-900
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Working-class, diverse, some older homes
• Best for: Budget-conscious nurses, those seeking character
• Note: Some areas are gentrifying, especially near the Longview Clinic complex.

4. Pine Tree / North Spring Creek

• Rent for 1BR: $950-1,100
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Upscale, quiet, more space
• Best for: Established nurses seeking quiet after night shifts
• Local insight: Pine Tree Elementary is highly rated. The area is popular with Christus hospital administrators.

5. Kilgore (10 miles east)

• Rent for 1BR: $700-850
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to Longview hospitals
• Vibe: Small-town feel, historic district, cheaper housing
• Best for: Nurses who don't mind commuting for lower rent
• Bonus: Kilgore College has excellent continuing education programs for nurses.

Commute reality: Longview is extremely car-dependent. Public transit exists but is limited. Most nurses drive personal vehicles. Traffic is minimal compared to major cities—your commute during shift change (6:30-7:30 AM or 6:30-7:30 PM) is manageable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longview isn't a throwaway nursing market—it offers real growth potential if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums (additional annual salary):

• ICU/ER: +$5,000 - $7,000
• OR/Perioperative: +$4,000 - $6,000
• L&D/NICU: +$3,000 - $5,000
• Oncology: +$2,000 - $4,000
• Home Health/Hospice: +$1,000 - $3,000
• Case Management: +$2,000 - $4,000

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals have a 4-tier system from RN I to RN IV. Moving from I to II typically takes 1-2 years and adds $3,000-$5,000 annually.
2. Charge Nurse: Requires 3+ years experience. Adds $4,000-$6,000 and supervisory duties.
3. Nurse Manager: Requires BSN and 5+ years. Range: $85,000-$105,000.
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist: Requires MSN. Range: $95,000-$120,000.
5. Nurse Practitioner: Requires MSN/NP certification. Range: $105,000-$130,000 in Longview.

Education Opportunities:

• Longview Regional Medical Center partners with Texas A&M Health Science Center for BSN completion
• Christus Health offers $4,000/year tuition reimbursement
• Kilgore College has an excellent ADN-to-BSN bridge program (online options available)
• UT Tyler offers MSN programs with weekend/evening classes

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is conservative but realistic. Longview's aging population (median age 36.5) means increased demand for chronic care management. The home health sector is projected to grow 15% over the next decade as more care shifts outpatient. Telehealth adoption is accelerating, creating hybrid roles. The East Texas Regional Cancer Center expansion (planned 2025) will create 30+ RN positions.

Insider perspective: Longview rewards specialization and longevity. Nurses who stay 5+ years often move into leadership roles. The market is small enough that reputation matters—being known as reliable and skilled gets you recruited for better positions. Night shift nurses often have the easiest path to advancement due to less competition.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very affordable housing (median home price $210K)	Limited cultural/diverse dining options
Low cost of living (88.4 index)	Car-dependent; limited public transit
Stable job market with 759 positions	Night shift differentials lower than national average
Strong community feel; nurses become local figures	Limited specialty positions compared to major metros
Easy commutes (15-20 min max)	Fewer "prestige" hospital names for resume building
No state income tax	Further from major airports (2+ hours to DFW)
Good work-life balance; manageable patient ratios	Limited options for highly specialized niches

Final Recommendation:
Longview is an excellent choice for mid-career nurses (3-10 years experience) seeking work-life balance and homeownership. The $83,074 median salary combined with $930 average rent creates a financial sweet spot. It's particularly good for nurses with families or those who value community over big-city amenities.

Not ideal for:

• New grads seeking maximum learning diversity (bigger hospitals offer more variety)
• Nurses requiring highly specialized positions not available here (e.g., pediatric oncology)
• Those who thrive on urban energy and cultural diversity

The local reality: Longview nurses are respected community members. You'll know your patients in the grocery store. You'll work with the same colleagues for years. It's not a transient market—you're building a life, not just a career. For the right candidate, that's invaluable.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the RN job market in Longview?
Moderately competitive. With 759 RN jobs in the metro, there's steady demand, but most positions require 1-2 years of experience. New grads can find positions but may need to start in long-term care or night shift. The market favors nurses with BSN degrees and specialty certifications. Networking through local nursing associations (like the East Texas Nurses Association) significantly helps.

2. What's the typical sign-on bonus for RNs in Longview?
Bonuses vary by employer and position. Christus Health typically offers $5,000-$10,000 for night shift or hard-to-fill specialties (ICU, ER). Longview Regional may offer $3,000-$7,000 for experienced nurses. Bonuses usually require a 2-year commitment. Home health agencies sometimes offer higher bonuses (up to $12,000) but with more demanding caseloads.

3. Can I live in Longview without a car?
Technically yes, but practically no. Public transit (Longview Transit) has limited routes and hours. Most nurses drive personal vehicles to work, especially for night shifts when buses aren't running. Ride-sharing exists but is unreliable. Most hospitals offer carpool incentives. If you choose to live car-free, prioritize Judson Road area or South Longview near medical corridors.

4. How do Longview hospitals compare to larger Texas hospitals?
Longview hospitals are community-focused rather than academic. Patient ratios are typically better (4-5:1 med-surg vs. 5-6:1 in Houston). You'll know your patients and families personally. The trade-off is fewer cutting-edge technologies and research opportunities. As one Christus nurse told me: "I can treat Mrs. Johnson's pneumonia and see her at church Sunday. In Houston, I'd be a number." It's a different philosophy of care.

5. What's the cost of nurse licensing and continuing education in Texas?
Initial licensing costs $370-440 as noted. Annual renewal is $100. For continuing education, Texas requires 20 contact hours every 2 years. Local options: Longview Regional's educational department offers free or low-cost classes ($25-50). Kilgore College CEU courses run $75-150. Many hospitals provide free CEUs through their education departments. The East Texas Nurses Association holds monthly meetings with CEUs for $10-20.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), Texas Board of Nursing, Longview Economic Development Corporation, Longview