The Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Plymouth, MN

As a career analyst who has worked with healthcare professionals across the Twin Cities metro, I've watched Plymouth emerge as a quiet powerhouse for nursing careers. This isn't Minneapolis—the city maintains its own distinct rhythm, with a blend of suburban comfort and strategic access to the region's top medical centers. For a Registered Nurse, Plymouth offers a compelling balance: strong earning potential, a manageable cost of living, and a job market that's growing steadily without the intense competition of the downtown core.

This guide is built on hard data and local realities. We'll look at what you'll actually earn, where you'll live, and what your career path looks like over the long term. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Plymouth's nursing salaries are competitive, sitting slightly above the national average. The median salary for an RN here is $87,231/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.94/hour. For context, the national average for RNs is $86,070/year, so you're starting off on a solid footing. The metro area has 698 active RN job listings at any given time, indicating a healthy, rotating market. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, a stable figure that suggests consistent demand without explosive (and potentially unstable) growth.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Plymouth, MN)	Key Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	Often starts at health systems like Allina or M Health Fairview. Base pay is competitive, but shift differentials and overtime can quickly boost earnings.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	This is where you hit the median. Specialized roles (ER, ICU) or certifications start to pay premiums.
Senior (10-19 years)	$95,000 - $108,000	Leadership roles (charge nurse, clinical educator) or high-demand specialties. Strong benefits packages are standard.
Expert (20+ years)	$108,000+	Often in advanced practice (NP/CRNA) or top-tier hospital administration. Can exceed these figures with specialty certifications.

Comparison to Other Minnesota Cities:

• Minneapolis/St. Paul: Slightly higher base pay (~$89,000 median), but significantly higher housing costs and longer commutes from affordable suburbs.
• St. Cloud: Lower cost of living but also lower salaries (~$78,000 median). Plymouth offers a better balance of pay and affordability.
• Rochester (Mayo Clinic): Salaries can be higher (~$90,000+), but the city is dominated by one employer. Plymouth offers more diverse job options.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. The $41.94/hour is your anchor. Ask about shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays—they can add $3-$6/hour to your rate. Also, many local hospitals offer weekend-only or PRN (as-needed) programs with premium pay rates that can significantly boost annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning $87,231/year sounds great, but what's your monthly reality in Plymouth?

Assumptions for a Single Earner:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,269
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, 401k, Health Ins.): ~30% (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,088

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Registered Nurse, $87,231/year):

Category	Estimated Cost	Details & Local Context
Rent (1BR)	$1,201	The city average. You can find older buildings for ~$1,050 or luxury units near Arbor Lakes for ~$1,500.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes Xcel Energy (electric/gas), water, and waste. Lower in summer, higher in MN winters.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Access to Cub, Target, and local co-ops. A 10-minute drive to Maple Grove offers more variety.
Transportation	$200 - $300	Car is essential. Budget for gas, insurance, and maintenance. Public transit (Metro Transit) is limited in Plymouth.
Healthcare	$200 - $300	Premiums, copays. This is often lower if your employer provides good insurance.
Student Loans	$200 - $400	Varies widely. Federal repayment plans can adjust based on income.
Savings/Retirement	$500 - $700	Aim for 10-15% of take-home. Many local employers offer 403(b) or 401(k) with a match.
Discretionary	$700 - $1,000	Covers dining out, entertainment, gym, etc. Plymouth has a growing scene around Lake Minnetonka and Arbor Lakes.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Plymouth is ~$425,000 (as of late 2023). For a nurse earning $87,231, a 20% down payment on that median home is $85,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment (PITI) of ~$2,600.

This is 51% of your net monthly income ($5,088), which is high but not impossible, especially with a dual-income household. Many RNs in Plymouth buy in their late 30s or early 40s, often after paying down student loans and building savings. Starting with a condo or townhome in the $250,000 - $350,000 range is a common and more affordable first step.

Insider Tip: Look into Minnesota's "Start Up" programs for first-time homebuyers. While Plymouth's housing market is competitive, it's not as frenetic as Edina or Minnetonka. Being pre-approved and ready to move quickly is key.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth is part of the Twin Cities' robust healthcare network. You're not limited to facilities within city limits; you're a short drive from some of the state's biggest employers. Here are the key players:

1. Allina Health Plymouth Clinic: A major outpatient hub. While not a hospital, it's a massive employer for primary and specialty care nurses. Hiring is steady for clinic RNs, especially in urgent care and surgery prep.
2. M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota Physicians): Their Plymouth location is a multi-specialty clinic. Good for RNs interested in outpatient oncology, cardiology, or neurology. They partner closely with M Health Fairview hospitals in Minneapolis and Edina.
3. Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (St. Louis Park): A 10-minute commute from most of Plymouth. This is one of the top hospitals in the region. Highly competitive for ICU, ER, and labor & delivery roles. They have a strong internal culture and promote from within.
4. North Memorial Health Hospital (Robbinsdale): About a 15-minute drive. A Level I Trauma Center. Excellent for ER and critical care experience. They have a reputation for strong clinical support and a focus on community health.
5. Assisted Living & Senior Care Facilities: Plymouth has a growing senior population. Employers like The Estates at Plymouth or Benedictine Senior Living offer roles for Med-Surg and Geriatric nurses. These are often more predictable schedules (days/evenings) with less acute stress than hospitals.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Minnesota): Based in the metro, these agencies serve Plymouth residents. Perfect for nurses who want autonomy, patient education, and a different pace.
7. Chiropractic & Wellness Clinics: A surprising niche. Many wellness centers in Plymouth and nearby Maple Grove employ RNs for patient intake, education, and integrative health roles.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward outpatient and community-based care. Hospitals are hiring, but growth is in clinics, home health, and telehealth support. Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCN, etc.) are increasingly valued, even for non-ICU roles.

Insider Tip: The "Plymouth to Robbinsdale" corridor (Hwy 55) is a major healthcare employment zone. Traffic is manageable, even at shift change. A 10-15 minute commute is realistic for most jobs.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has clear, rigorous licensing requirements. If you're moving from another state, the process is straightforward but requires time.

Key Requirements (from the Minnesota Board of Nursing):

1. Education: An accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must pass this national exam.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.
4. Application: Submit an online application through the Minnesota Board of Nursing website.

Timeline & Costs:

• If you're already an RN in another state (Compact State): If you hold an active license in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state (like Wisconsin, Iowa, or North Dakota), you can practice in Minnesota immediately under your home state license. You do not need a separate Minnesota license. This is a major advantage for nurses moving from nearby states.
• If you're from a non-Compact state: You'll apply for licensure by endorsement. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks once you've submitted all documents, including proof of your current license and NCLEX scores.
• Cost: Application fee is $75. Background check is $42.50. Total: ~$117.50.
• Renewal: Licenses expire every 2 years (even-numbered years). Renewal fee is $85.

Insider Tip: Start the process before you move. If you're from a non-Compact state, apply for your Minnesota license as soon as you have a job offer in hand. You can work under a "temporary permit" while your full license is processed, but it's faster to have the full license.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Plymouth is divided into distinct areas, each with a different feel and commute. Here’s a breakdown for an RN working a standard 12-hour shift (e.g., 7 AM - 7 PM).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
North Plymouth (Near Hwy 55)	Quick access to Robbinsdale/North Memorial (10-15 mins). Older, established homes, more affordable apartments.	$1,050 - $1,250	Nurses prioritizing a short commute to North Memorial or those wanting lower rent.
East Plymouth (Near Medicine Lake)	Close to Allina Plymouth Clinic and M Health Fairview. Beautiful lake views, quieter streets. Commute to downtown hospitals is 20-25 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	Clinic nurses or those who want a peaceful, scenic home base.
West Plymouth (Near Hwy 169)	Easy access to Park Nicollet (5-10 mins) and Maple Grove. Newer developments, more modern apartments.	$1,250 - $1,500	Career-focused nurses working at Park Nicollet or who enjoy the amenities of Maple Grove.
Downtown Plymouth (Arbor Lakes)	The heart of the city. Walkable, vibrant, with shops and restaurants. Commute to all major hospitals is 15-20 mins.	$1,400 - $1,700	Nurses who want an active social scene and don't mind a slightly higher rent.
South Plymouth (Near 100th Ave N)	Residential, family-oriented. Close to the I-494 loop for easy access to the entire metro. Commute is 15-25 mins anywhere.	$1,100 - $1,300	Nurses with families or those who value a quiet, suburban neighborhood.

Insider Tip: The "12-hour shift advantage" changes the commute. Working 7-7 means you're traveling against the worst rush hour traffic (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). A 20-minute commute can easily be 12-15 minutes. This makes living in any Plymouth neighborhood very feasible.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plymouth is a great place to build a long-term nursing career. The growth isn't just in climbing the ladder, but in diversifying your skills.

Specialty Premiums:

• Critical Care (ICU/ER): +$5,000 - $10,000/year on top of base. Required at Level I Trauma centers like North Memorial.
• Labor & Delivery (L&D): +$3,000 - $7,000/year. High demand, especially at Park Nicollet and M Health Fairview hospitals.
• Oncology: +$2,000 - $5,000/year. Growing field with the expansion of clinics and infusion centers.
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): +$8,000 - $15,000/year. These are advanced roles often found in hospital education departments or at large clinics.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most major health systems (Allina, Park Nicollet) have a clinical ladder program. Moving from RN I to RN III or RN IV can bring annual raises of $2,000 - $5,000 plus title changes (e.g., Clinical Nurse II to Clinical Nurse III).
2. Advanced Practice: The University of Minnesota (20 mins away) and Augsburg University (in Minneapolis) offer top-tier FNP, AGACNP, and CRNA programs. Many local employers offer tuition assistance.
3. Leadership: Charge nurse → Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing. This path often requires a BSN (or MSN for director-level). Plymouth's hospitals and large clinics have clear internal promotion tracks.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth):
The 6% job growth for RNs in the metro is solid. Over 10 years, this means more positions opening up from retirements and expansion, not just new grad hiring. The trend is toward more specialized, outpatient roles and telehealth. Nurses who are tech-savvy and certified in high-demand specialties will have the most leverage.

Insider Tip: Get involved with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). It's a powerful union in the Twin Cities, offering networking, continuing education, and a strong voice on wages and working conditions. Many Plymouth nurses are members.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth is a fantastic choice for RNs who want a strong career without the constant hustle of a major city center. It's practical, stable, and offers a high quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary vs. Cost of Living: $87,231 goes further here than in Minneapolis or Edina.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car. Public transit is limited.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of hospitals, clinics, and senior care. Job security is high.	Limited "Urban" Culture: It's a suburb. For major concerts, sports, or nightlife, you're driving to Minneapolis.
Short Commutes: 10-25 minutes to most major employers. More time for life.	Weather: A classic Minnesota winter (Nov-Mar) is long, cold, and snowy.
Excellent Schools & Parks: Ideal for nurses with families. The city is clean and well-maintained.	Competitive Housing Market: While better than Edina, finding a home requires patience and a good realtor.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is highly recommended for registered nurses, especially those in the mid-career stage (3-10 years) looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance. It's also great for experienced nurses who want to specialize without the pressure of a downtown tertiary care center. The 6% growth ensures stability, and the $87,231 median salary provides a solid foundation for financial goals. If you value a short commute and a family-friendly environment over a bustling urban core, Plymouth is an exceptional place to build your life and career.

FAQs

Q: Are there many new graduate RN positions in Plymouth?
A: Yes, but competition is moderate. Large systems like Allina and Park Nicollet have formal new graduate residency programs. It's best to apply broadly across the metro, as a 15-minute commute from Plymouth opens up hundreds of positions. Having your BSN