The Registered Nurse's Guide to Pasco, Washington

If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) considering a move to the Tri-Cities, Pasco offers a compelling blend of steady demand, a relatively low cost of living, and a community at the heart of Washington's wine country. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff to give you a data-driven, local perspective on what your nursing career and life look like in Pasco.

The Salary Picture: Where Pasco Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In the Pasco-Kennewick-Richland metro area, the median salary for an RN is $85,811/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $41.26/hour. This is virtually identical to the national average of $86,070/year, meaning Pasco’s nursing salaries are right in line with the national benchmark. However, the value here is in the cost-of-living adjustment. With a Cost of Living Index of 99.0 (just 1% below the U.S. average), your salary goes further here than in many metro areas.

The local job market is robust. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 732 jobs for RNs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of healthcare services in the Tri-Cities region.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience for an RN in Pasco:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Pasco)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $78,000	Staff nurse on medical-surgical, telemetry, or critical care units.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $95,000	Charge nurse, preceptor, or specializing in areas like ER, L&D, or ICU.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	Clinical nurse specialist, case manager, unit educator, or leadership roles.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$110,000+	Nurse manager, director, advanced practice roles (NP/CRNA), or specialized consultant.

How Pasco Compares to Other WA Cities:
While Seattle and Bellevue offer higher nominal salaries ($110,000+), their extreme housing costs (often 2-3x Pasco's rent) and traffic can negate the financial benefit. Spokane, a competitor for regional medical talent, has a similar salary range but a slightly higher cost of living. For an RN balancing income and affordability, Pasco represents a strong value proposition within Washington.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $85,811 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single RN filing as Head of Household (a common filing status for professionals).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $7,150.92
• Est. Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,800
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,350

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Sample):

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,633 (Pasco Average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Car Payment/Insurance: $500
• Groceries & Essentials: $500
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300
• Retirement (403b/401k, 10%): $715
• Discretionary / Savings: $1,452

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, emergency funds, or lifestyle expenses. The key is securing housing at or below the median rent. A $1,633 rent represents about 30% of your gross income, which is considered financially manageable.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With Pasco's median home price hovering around $350,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment would be $70,000. For an RN earning $85,811, saving $70k is a multi-year goal but absolutely achievable with disciplined budgeting. Using the standard 28% rule for housing costs, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of about $2,000/month would be manageable on this salary. Given the local market, homeownership is a realistic long-term goal for a Pasco RN.

Where the Jobs Are: Pasco's Major Employers

The Tri-Cities is a medical hub, and Pasco is its geographic and demographic center. Here are the primary employers you need to know:

1. St. Joseph Medical Center (St. Joe's): Located in the heart of Kennewick, just minutes from most Pasco neighborhoods. This is the region's only Level II Trauma Center and tertiary care hospital. They offer a wide array of specialties, from cardiology to oncology. Hiring is constant, especially for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER nurses. Insider Tip: St. Joe's has a strong tuition reimbursement program for BSN and MSN degrees.

2. Trios Health (Kennewick General Hospital): With its main campus in Kennewick, Trios is a key player, especially for Pasco residents in the southern parts of the city. They have a growing network of clinics and a focus on community health. They often hire for their urgent care centers and specialty clinics. Insider Tip: Trios is known for being more "community-focused" and may offer more flexible scheduling than the larger systems.

3. Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Richland): While in Richland, Kadlec is a major employer for Pasco residents, especially those with specialized training. It's a Level III Trauma Center and a Magnet-designated facility (a gold standard for nursing excellence). They are a major employer for oncology and critical care nurses. Insider Tip: If you're pursuing a specialty, Kadlec often has dedicated programs and higher pay premiums.

4. Lourdes Health (Pasco): This is Pasco's own hospital, part of the Catholic Health Initiatives system. It's a smaller, community-focused facility with a dedicated ER and labor & delivery unit. It's a great place for nurses who want a smaller-hospital feel with big-city resources. Insider Tip: Lourdes often has openings for Med-Surg and L&D, and its location in downtown Pasco offers an easy commute for those living nearby.

5. VA Eastern Washington Health Care System (Spokane & Colville, but local clinics): The VA operates clinics in the Tri-Cities, offering jobs in primary care, mental health, and community nursing. These positions offer excellent benefits and job security. Insider Tip: VA jobs are competitive but offer unparalleled federal benefits and pension.

6. Confluence Health (Wenatchee-based, but serves the region): While headquartered in Wenatchee, Confluence has a growing presence in the Tri-Cities through urgent care and specialty clinics. They are a major employer for outpatient and primary care RNs.

Hiring Trends: The market is consistently in need of experienced nurses for inpatient units. There's also a growing demand for nurses in outpatient settings, home health, and school nursing, driven by population growth. Travel nursing contracts remain active, offering a way to test the area or boost income.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State is a compact nursing state (NLC), meaning if you hold a multistate license from another NLC state (like Idaho, Oregon, or Utah), you can practice in Washington without a new license. If you're from a non-compact state, here’s the process:

1. Application: Apply through the Washington State Board of Nursing (WA BON). The application fee is $140.
2. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required. Cost is approximately $50.
3. NCLEX-RN: If you're a new graduate or an endorsement from a non-compact state, you must pass the NCLEX. If you've already passed it, you just need to provide proof.
4. Timeline: From application to an active license, it typically takes 6-10 weeks.

Cost Breakdown:

• Application Fee: $140
• Fingerprinting: $50
• NCLEX Exam Fee: $200 (if required)
• Total Estimated Cost: $390 - $590

Insider Tip: Always check the WA BON website for the most current requirements. The process is straightforward but can be slowed down by incomplete paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Pasco offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute to key hospitals.

Neighborhood	Estimated 1BR Rent	Commute to Lourdes	Commute to St. Joe's/Trios	Lifestyle & Vibe
South Pasco (Road 68 Area)	$1,450 - $1,700	10-15 mins	15-20 mins	Newer developments, shopping, easy access to highways. Family-friendly.
Downtown Pasco	$1,200 - $1,500	5-10 mins	15-20 mins	Historic charm, walkable, diverse community. Smaller apartments, older stock.
West Pasco (Hollywood Blvd)	$1,500 - $1,800	10 mins	20-25 mins	Established, quiet residential streets. Great for families. Further from amenities.
Southeast Pasco (near Columbia Basin College)	$1,300 - $1,600	15-20 mins	25-30 mins	Affordable, growing area. Proximity to college and riverfront.
Kennewick (near Columbia Center Mall)	$1,550 - $1,900	15-20 mins	5-15 mins	Central to everything. High density, lots of restaurants and shopping.

Insider Tip: If you value a short commute and walkable amenities, prioritize Downtown Pasco or South Pasco. For a quieter, suburban feel, look at West Pasco. Always check traffic patterns during your potential shift times (e.g., 6 AM or 7 PM) using Google Maps.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Pasco is an excellent place to build a long-term nursing career, with clear paths for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Nurses with certifications in critical care (CCRN), emergency (CEN), or oncology (OCN) can command a 5-15% salary premium above the base median. For example, a CCRN at Kadlec or St. Joe's could earn $95,000+ at the mid-career level.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from Staff Nurse → Charge Nurse → Clinical Nurse Specialist.
  2. Leadership: Staff Nurse → Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing.
  3. Advanced Practice: Return to school for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) degree. Local universities like Washington State University Tri-Cities offer MSN programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady, not explosive. This means competition will remain healthy, but opportunities will be constant. The biggest growth will be in outpatient, home health, and telehealth roles, as the healthcare system shifts away from traditional inpatient care. Specializing in geriatrics or chronic disease management will be a strong bet.

The Verdict: Is Pasco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: A salary of $85,811 goes much further here than in Seattle or Bellevue.	Summers are Extreme: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from July to September.
High Job Density: 732 RN jobs in a small metro area means strong competition and opportunities.	Cultural/Recreational Limitations: Limited big-city arts, cuisine, and nightlife. The outdoors are the main attraction.
Strong Community Feel: Pasco is a tight-knit community where you can get to know colleagues and patients.	Air Quality: In summer, wildfire smoke can be a significant issue.
Geographic Advantage: Easy access to outdoor recreation (rivers, wine country, mountains).	Traffic Bottlenecks: While not a major city, I-182 and US-395 can get congested during rush hour.
Multi-Employer Environment: You can switch hospitals without moving, keeping your career fresh.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for most residents.

Final Recommendation:
Pasco is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize financial stability, a moderate pace of life, and a strong sense of community. It is particularly well-suited for:

• New graduates looking to gain experience without massive debt.
• Experienced nurses seeking a lower cost of living and a change of pace.
• Nurses with families who want affordable housing and good schools.

If you crave a bustling urban environment with endless entertainment options, Pasco may feel too quiet. But if you want to build a life where your nursing salary affords you a good home, a short commute, and access to stunning natural beauty, Pasco is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find housing in Pasco?
A: The rental market is competitive but not as cutthroat as in Seattle. Start your search 45-60 days before your move. Use local property management companies like RPM Real Estate or Pioneer Property Management in addition to Zillow.

Q: What is the typical shift for an RN in Pasco?
A: Most hospital positions are 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). Many hospitals offer a mix of self-scheduling and block scheduling. Night shift differentials are common, often adding $2-$4/hour to your base rate.

Q: Do I need a car in Pasco?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited (Ben Franklin Transit offers bus routes, but they are infrequent). The city is spread out, and most healthcare facilities are not within walking distance of residential areas.

Q: How is the nursing community in Pasco?
A: It's small and interconnected. Nurses from different hospitals often socialize together. There are active local chapters for nursing organizations (like the Washington State Nurses Association). It's a supportive environment where you can build a strong professional network.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. All major hospitals and many clinics offer per-diem and part-time positions, which are popular for nurses seeking flexibility or those balancing work with continuing education.