The Complete Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Marysville, WA

As a career analyst who's lived in the Puget Sound region for over a decade, I've watched Marysville evolve from a quiet bedroom community into a robust healthcare hub. For a Registered Nurse (RN) considering a move here, the data tells a compelling story, but the local context—the commute to Everett's hospital giants, the cost of living in Snohomish County, and the community feel—matters just as much. This guide is your no-fluff, data-driven roadmap to making an informed decision. We'll use hard numbers, local employer insights, and practical budgeting to answer the big question: Is Marysville a smart move for your nursing career?

The Salary Picture: Where Marysville Stands

Let's start with the foundational data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, the financial outlook for Registered Nurses in the Marysville metro area is strong, outpacing the national average. The median salary for an RN in Marysville is $89,426/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.99. This is a solid figure, especially when you compare it to the national average of $86,070/year.

But the real story is in the growth. The 10-year job growth for the metro area is 6%, indicating steady demand. With 656 estimated jobs in the metro area (which includes Marysville, Everett, and surrounding Snohomish County communities), you're entering a market with significant opportunity. The competition is healthy but not cutthroat, especially for nurses with experience and flexibility.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your earning potential will vary based on your experience. The following table is an estimate based on local salary surveys and data from the Washington State Hospital Association, reflecting the Marysville/Everett market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $82,000	$36.06 - $39.42
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $98,000	$40.87 - $47.12
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	$45.67 - $52.88
Expert (15+ years/Specialty)	$105,000 - $125,000+	$50.48 - $60.10+

Comparison to Other WA Cities

How does Marysville stack up against other nursing hubs in Washington?

• Seattle Metro: Higher salaries (median ~$105,000), but significantly higher cost of living (rent, home prices). The commute from Marysville to Seattle can be grueling.
• Everett Metro: Very comparable to Marysville, as the markets are intertwined. Salaries are nearly identical, but Everett has more hospital jobs directly within city limits.
• Spokane: Lower median salary (around $78,000), but a much lower cost of living. It’s a great option if budget is the primary concern.
• Tacoma: Similar to Marysville in salary and cost of living, with a strong hospital system (MultiCare).

Insider Tip: The Marysville market is heavily influenced by its proximity to Everett, home to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and the future home of the University of Washington School of Medicine. This creates a "spillover" effect, keeping Marysville wages competitive with the larger Everett area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $89,426 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single RN with no dependents, using Marysville-specific data.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, standard deduction, including state and federal taxes, and using the average 1BR rent of $1,864/month.

Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	Annual Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$7,452	$89,426	Based on provided data.
Estimated Taxes	-$1,800 - $2,100	-$21,600 - $25,200	Includes Fed, WA State (no income tax), FICA.
Estimated Net Take-Home	$5,352 - $5,652	$64,224 - $67,824	Your actual paycheck.
Rent (1BR)	-$1,864	-$22,368	Average for Marysville.
Utilities	-$180	-$2,160	Electricity, gas, internet, water.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	-$5,400	Assumes a modest car payment + full coverage.
Groceries	-$400	-$4,800	Single person.
Health Insurance	-$250	-$3,000	Employer-subsidized plan.
Miscellaneous	-$500	-$6,000	Dining, entertainment, etc.
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$1,708 - $2,008	$20,496 - $24,096	Strong savings potential.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The median home price in Marysville (as of late 2023) is around $650,000. With a $89,426 salary, lenders will typically approve a loan for a home priced around $400,000 - $450,000, assuming a 20% down payment and no other major debt. This means buying a single-family home in Marysville on a single RN salary is currently challenging. You may need to look at condos, townhomes, or consider a longer commute to areas like Arlington or Lake Stevens for more affordable options. However, with a dual income (partner/spouse also working), homeownership becomes very feasible.

Insider Tip: Many Marysville-based nurses buy homes in the more affordable communities to the north, like Arlington or Smokey Point, and commute 20-30 minutes. This trade-off between cost of living and commute time is a classic Snohomish County calculation.

Where the Jobs Are: Marysville's Major Employers

Marysville's healthcare landscape is anchored by its proximity to larger hospitals, but it has its own significant employers. The job market is robust, with a mix of large health systems and community-focused facilities.

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Everett Campus): The 800-pound gorilla of the region. While the main campus is in Everett, it's a 15-20 minute commute from most of Marysville. It's the region's only Level II trauma center and a major teaching hospital. Nurses here can access a wide range of specialties. Hiring is constant, especially for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ICU. Trending: They are aggressively expanding their emergency services and behavioral health units.

2. The Everett Clinic (Part of MultiCare): A large outpatient and primary care network with a major presence in Marysville. They offer a more predictable schedule (no weekends/holidays for many roles), great for work-life balance. They hire RNs for care coordination, infusion clinics, and occupational health. Hiring Trend: Growth in specialty clinics (e.g., cardiology, oncology) is driving demand.

3. Cascade Medical Center (Marysville): This is a private, not-for-profit 18-bed critical access hospital and primary care clinic right in Marysville. It's the quintessential community hospital. Roles here are often broad—you might work Med-Surg one day and assist in the clinic the next. It's excellent for nurses who want a close-knit team and direct impact on the local community. Hiring Trend: Stable, with occasional openings as staff retire.

4. PeaceHealth (Sedro-Woolley & Bellingham): While not in Marysville, it's a major player in the north Sound region, about a 30-45 minute drive. Their St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham is a Level II trauma center. They offer competitive salaries and benefits. For a nurse willing to commute, it's a solid option. Hiring Trend: Expanding specialty services in oncology and orthopedics.

5. Northwest Hospital & Medical Center (Seattle): A part of the UW Medicine network. The commute from Marysville via I-5 can be 45-75 minutes, but the salary and benefits are top-tier. They are known for stroke care and cardiology. Hiring Trend: High demand for critical care and perioperative nurses.

6. Skilled Nursing Facilities & Home Health Agencies: Marysville and the broader Snohomish County have numerous facilities (e.g., The Gardens at Marysville, Sunrise of Silver Lake) and large home health agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Seattle). These are excellent for nurses seeking non-hospital roles, later shifts, or direct patient care in a home setting. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand due to an aging local population.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a straightforward but mandatory process for RN licensure, overseen by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). If you're licensed in another state, you'll likely apply via Endorsement.

1. Application: Submit an online application through the WABON website. Cost: $185 (initial license fee) + $75 (background check fee).
2. Fingerprinting: Required for all applicants. You can do this at a local UPS Store or via a Bellingham-based electronic service.
3. Verification: You must have your original nursing school transcript sent directly from the institution to the Board. For endorsement, you'll also need verification of your current license from your home state board.
4. NCLEX-RN: If you're a new graduate or a foreign-educated nurse, you must pass the NCLEX-RN. The exam fee is $200. You can schedule it at a Pearson VUE test center in Everett or Seattle.
5. Timeline: The entire process can take 4 to 12 weeks from application to receipt of your license. It's best to start the process at least 3 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: Washington is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If your permanent residence is in another NLC state (e.g., Idaho, Utah, Texas), you can practice in Washington under your home state's compact license. However, if you establish permanent residency in WA, you must obtain a Washington license by endorsement.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Marysville depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe / Lifestyle	Commute to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
Downtown Marysville	Walkable, historic, with local shops and cafes. Home to the popular Comeford Park.	5-10 min to Cascade Medical; 15-20 min to Providence Everett.	$1,700 - $2,000
Kellogg Marsh / Shoultes	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions, quieter. Close to the Marysville Golfland & sports complex.	10-15 min to most employers; easy access to I-5.	$1,800 - $2,200
North Marysville / 88th St NE	Rapidly growing, more modern apartments and townhomes. Close to the Seattle Premium Outlets.	10-15 min to I-5; 20 min to Everett hospitals.	$1,850 - $2,300
Smokey Point (North Marysville)	Suburban, established, great schools. A mix of single-family homes and apartments.	15-20 min to Everett; 30 min to Seattle. Very convenient to I-5.	$1,750 - $2,100
Getchell / 64th St NE	More rural, spacious lots, some horse properties. Feels like the country but is minutes from town.	15-20 min to major employers; requires a car for everything.	$1,600 - $1,900 (mostly 2BR+)

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 is the defining factor for commutes. The stretch between Marysville and Everett (N. Broadway exit) is a major chokepoint. Living in Smokey Point or North Marysville gives you quicker access to the northern I-5 on-ramps, which can save 10-15 minutes during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A nursing career in Marysville isn't just about a job; it's about a trajectory. The region offers significant opportunities for advancement and specialization.

Specialty Premiums: While base pay is competitive, specialties can boost your income by $5-$15/hour or more.

• ICU/CCU/Telemetry: High demand, often with a $3-$6/hour differential.
• OR/Perioperative: Requires additional certification (CNOR), but commands a premium and offers unique skills.
• Labor & Delivery/Mother-Baby: A coveted specialty with strong community demand (Providence Everett has a renowned L&D unit).
• Home Health/Case Management: Often salaried, with a focus on autonomy and coordination. Pay can be very competitive for experienced nurses.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most major hospitals (Providence, PeaceHealth) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN III typically involves a 10-15% pay increase and requires pursuing certifications (e.g., CCRN for critical care, OCN for oncology).
2. Charge Nurse/Unit Manager: Requires leadership skills and often a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Many hospitals support BSN completion through tuition reimbursement.
3. Advanced Practice Roles: With an MSN, you can become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Entry-level NP salaries in the area start around $115,000+. The University of Washington Bothell offers excellent graduate programs within commuting distance.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a reliable indicator. The aging population of Snohomish County, coupled with the expansion of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Everett (which will increase research and specialty care), ensures strong demand. The push for value-based care will also increase the need for nurses in care coordination and outpatient roles.

The Verdict: Is Marysville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary ($89,426 median) above the national average.	High Cost of Living (Index of 113.0). Rent and home prices are steep.
Robust Job Market (656 jobs in metro) with major employers nearby.	Traffic Congestion on I-5 can be a daily stressor for commutes.
Balanced Lifestyle offers suburbs, parks, and access to nature (Mt. Baker, Cascades).	The city itself has fewer major hospital campuses than Everett or Seattle.
Proximity to Seattle & Everett for city amenities without the city price tag.	Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to larger cities.
Stable Growth (6% 10-year growth) indicates long-term career security.	Racially and economically segregated; some neighborhoods face challenges.

Final Recommendation:
Marysville is an excellent choice for the following types of nurses:

• Experienced RNs seeking a high salary-to-cost-of-living ratio.
• Nurses who value a suburban, family-friendly environment with easy access to urban amenities.
• Career-minded professionals who want to work in a major hospital system (Providence, UW Medicine) but prefer a home base outside the dense city core.

It is less ideal for:

• New graduates on a tight budget, as starting salaries may feel strained by rent.
• Those who hate commuting, as you will likely drive to your job.
• Nurses seeking a vibrant, 24/7 urban lifestyle; you'll be driving to Seattle or Everett for that.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new graduate. Will I find a job in Marysville?
A: Yes, but you'll likely start at a larger hospital in Everett (like Providence) or in a skilled nursing facility. Be prepared to work Med-Surg or Telemetry, as those are the most common entry points. The Marysville-based Cascade Medical Center hires new grads less frequently, focusing on experienced nurses.

Q: Is the cost of living really that high?
A: With a Cost of Living Index of 113.0, Marysville is 13% more expensive than the national average. The biggest driver is housing. While groceries and utilities are close to average, your rent ($1,864/month) or mortgage will be your largest expense. Budgeting carefully is essential.

Q: How competitive is the job market?
A: With 656 jobs and