The Redmond RN Career Guide: A Local's Take on the Job Market

I’ve lived in the Seattle metro area for over a decade, watching Redmond transform from a quiet suburb into the bustling tech hub it is today. If you're a Registered Nurse considering a move here, you're not just looking at a job—you're looking at a lifestyle. This guide is built on real data and local insights, not fluff. Let's break down what it actually takes to build a life and career as an RN in Redmond, Washington.

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The nursing market here is robust, but it's also competitive. Your earning potential is strong, but it's crucial to understand how it compares to the cost of living.

The median salary for an RN in the Redmond area is $89,426/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.99/hour. This is slightly above the national average for Registered Nurses, which sits at $86,070/year. The metro area has about 722 open RN jobs at any given time, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the constant expansion of healthcare services to support the tech workforce.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Redmond area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $85,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $100,000
Senior/Charge Nurse	8-15 years	$95,000 - $115,000+
Expert/Advanced Practice	15+ years or NP/CRNA	$110,000 - $150,000+

Insider Tip: Your specialty matters immensely. A Med-Surg RN might start at the lower end of the range, while an ICU, ER, or Cath Lab nurse can command a premium of $5-$10/hour more. Nurses with certifications like CCRN (Critical Care) or CEN (Emergency Nursing) are highly sought after and can negotiate salaries toward the higher end of their experience bracket.

How does Redmond compare to other WA cities?

• Seattle: Higher salaries (median ~$95k), but significantly higher rent and brutal traffic.
• Bellevue: Very similar to Redmond, with a slightly higher cost of living and more corporate hospital roles.
• Everett: Lower salaries (median ~$82k) and lower cost of living, but further from the tech core.
• Tacoma: More affordable, but salaries are closer to the national average.

Redmond strikes a balance: good pay, a strong job market, and a slightly less chaotic environment than downtown Seattle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

That $89,426 median salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's run the numbers for a single RN earning the median.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, claiming the Standard Deduction (2023), and accounting for Federal, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and WA State taxes (no state income tax in WA!). We'll use the average 1BR rent of $1,864/month.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $89,426 / 12 = $7,452
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions:
  • Federal Income Tax: ~$650
  • FICA (7.65%): ~$570
  • WA State B&O Tax (on employer side) & Other Deductions: ~$100 (varies)
  • Total Estimated Deductions: ~$1,320
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,132

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,864
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Car Payment/Insurance): $400
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $250
• Student Loans (Avg. for RN): $300
• Discretionary/Savings/Retirement (401k): $2,718

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Redmond is currently over $1.2 million. A 20% down payment would be $240,000. With a take-home pay of ~$6,132, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $960k loan would be roughly $5,500-$6,000/month, which is unsustainable. The Verdict: On a single RN salary, buying a home in Redmond is not feasible. Most RNs here either rent long-term, buy with a dual-income household, or purchase in more affordable neighboring areas like Shoreline, Lynnwood, or Everett and commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond isn't a major hospital city like Seattle. Instead, its healthcare ecosystem is built around outpatient care, specialty clinics, and supporting the massive tech workforce. Here are the key players:

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: Located in Bellevue (a 10-15 minute commute from most of Redmond), this is the primary hospital system serving the Eastside. Overlake has a main campus in Bellevue and several clinics in Redmond. They are a major employer with roles in Med-Surg, ICU, ED, and labor & delivery. They are known for strong nurse-patient ratios and a collaborative culture.

   • Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for both experienced RNs and new grads through their residency program. Strong demand in Critical Care and ED.

2. UW Medicine Primary Care & Specialty Clinics: The University of Washington has a significant presence in Redmond with primary care and specialty clinics (e.g., Orthopedics, Cardiology). These are outpatient roles, typically M-F, 8-5, with no weekends or holidays.

   • Hiring Trend: Steady demand for clinic RNs and triage nurses. A great option for those seeking a better work-life balance.

3. Kaiser Permanente (Washington): While their main medical center is in Capitol Hill (Seattle), Kaiser has a massive outpatient clinic in Bellevue and serves many Redmond residents. They offer competitive pay and benefits, with roles in primary care, urgent care, and specialty departments.

   • Hiring Trend: Kaiser is expanding its Eastside presence. They often have hiring freezes or surges based on corporate strategy, but they are a stable, long-term employer.

4. Swedish Medical Group: Part of the Providence system, Swedish has a strong network of specialty clinics on the Eastside, including in Redmond and Issaquah. They focus on cardiology, oncology, and neurosciences.

   • Hiring Trend: Growing need for RNs in their specialty infusion and oncology centers.

5. Amazon Care (Now part of One Medical): While the on-the-ground model has shifted, Amazon's healthcare arm and its acquisition of One Medical have a significant footprint in the Seattle metro. They hire for virtual care, care coordination, and clinic roles, often with a tech-forward approach.

   • Hiring Trend: Evolving, but represents a non-traditional career path for RNs interested in tech and innovation.

6. Local Urgent Care Chains: Companies like ZoomCare and Indigo Urgent Care have multiple locations in Redmond and Bellevue. These are fast-paced, high-volume environments perfect for nurses who thrive on variety.

   • Hiring Trend: Constant demand due to high patient volume. Offers flexible schedules and a break from hospital shifts.

Insider Tip: The biggest hospital jobs are near Redmond, not in it. Be prepared for a 10-25 minute commute to Overlake or UW Medicine in Seattle. The good news? Traffic is manageable if you're going against the main flow (e.g., Redmond to Bellevue in the morning is easier than Seattle to Redmond).

Getting Licensed in WA

If you're moving from another state, you'll need a Washington RN license. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

• Requirements: You must have an active, unencumbered RN license from another state. Washington participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your home state is a compact state (like Idaho, Montana, or Utah), you can work in WA with your home license. If not, you need to apply for licensure by endorsement.
• Process: Apply through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). You'll need to submit transcripts, proof of your current license, and pay the application fee. The DOH will verify your license with your home state's board.
• Cost: The application fee is $145 (as of 2023). There may be additional fees for background checks.
• Timeline: It typically takes 4-8 weeks for the DOH to process a licensure by endorsement application. Start this process at least 2-3 months before your planned move.
• Compact State Check: Always verify the current list of compact states on the NCSBN website, as it can change.

Insider Tip: Even if you are from a compact state, it's wise to apply for a Washington license if you plan to stay long-term. It makes you a more permanent candidate and avoids any future complications if the compact rules change.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live will define your daily life. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods in and around Redmond, tailored for an RN's schedule and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Redmond	Walkable, charming main street, close to tech offices. A 10-min drive to Overlake.	$2,100+	Those who want a true "live-work-play" environment without a long commute.
Bear Creek / Education Hill	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Great parks. 15-min drive to Overlake.	$1,950	RNs seeking a peaceful home base, possibly with a family.
Overlake (East of 405)	Modern apartments, very close to Overlake Hospital, Microsoft campus.	$2,200+	Convenience seekers. You could bike or walk to work.
Kirkland (Juanita / Totem Lake)	Adjacent to Redmond, more urban feel with lake access. 10-20 min commute.	$2,000	Those who want lake life and a slightly more vibrant social scene.
Bellevue (Crossroads / Lake Hills)	More diverse, slightly more affordable than downtown Bellevue. 10-15 min to Redmond.	$1,800	Budget-conscious RNs who still want city amenities and a short commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic on SR-520 (the main bridge from Seattle to Redmond/Bellevue) is a major factor. If you work at Overlake and live in Seattle, your commute can easily be 45+ minutes. Living on the Eastside (Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland) is almost essential for maintaining sanity and work-life balance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Redmond's healthcare market is mature, meaning growth is about specialization and leadership, not just volume.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, certifications are golden. An RN with a CCRN (Critical Care) or OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) can earn $5,000-$10,000 more annually. Hospitals like Overlake and UW offer clinical ladder programs that reward certifications and education with pay increases.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Clinical Expert: Become a charge nurse, then a unit manager. Requires strong leadership skills.
  2. Advanced Practice: Pursue a Master's or DNP to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The University of Washington's School of Nursing is a top-tier program and a common path for local RNs.
  3. Industry/Tech: Move into roles in clinical informatics, healthcare tech (at companies like Microsoft Health or Amazon), or pharmaceutical/device sales. This is a unique advantage of being in the Redmond/Bellevue corridor.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The demand will be for nurses who are tech-savvy (EPIC/Cerner experience is a must), can work in higher-acuity settings, and are interested in outpatient and home-based care models (which are growing rapidly to serve the aging population in the area).

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Here’s the honest, no-spin assessment.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries: Above national average.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep.
Stable Job Market: 722 jobs and steady 6% growth.	Buying a Home is Difficult on a single RN salary.
Career Diversity: From high-tech clinics to major hospitals 10 mins away.	Competition: You're competing with nurses from a top-tier nursing school (UW).
Outdoor Lifestyle: Access to mountains, lakes, and parks is unparalleled.	Traffic: Commutes to/from Seattle can be challenging.
Tech & Innovation: Unique opportunities to blend nursing with tech.	"Eastside Bubble": Can feel less diverse and more suburban than Seattle.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for an RN who values stability, outdoor access, and career opportunities in a tech-adjacent environment. It's ideal for a mid-career nurse with a partner (dual income) or a new grad willing to rent and invest in their career. If your primary goal is to buy a home on a single income or you crave the gritty, 24/7 energy of a major urban hospital, you might find Seattle or a smaller WA city a better fit. For most, Redmond offers a fantastic quality of life and a strong professional foundation.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new grad. Can I get a job in Redmond?
A: Yes, but it's competitive. Start by applying for residency programs at Overlake, UW Medicine, and Kaiser. Having your BSN and any relevant externship/clinical experience in a high-acuity area (like ICU or ED) will make you a stronger candidate. Be open to starting in Med-Surg to get your foot in the door.

Q: How bad is the traffic for a nurse working nights?
A: Significantly better. Night shift nurses (7pm-7am) typically commute when traffic is minimal. The biggest challenge is the reverse commute if you live in Seattle and work on the Eastside, but it's still much easier than day shift. Day shift workers should prioritize living as close as possible to their workplace.

Q: Do I need to know a second language?
A: English is the primary language, but Washington State has a large Spanish-speaking population. Being bilingual (English/Spanish) is a major asset, especially in outpatient and primary care settings. It's not a strict requirement but can give you a strong edge in hiring.

Q: What's the weather like for commuting?
A: Be prepared for rain, especially from October to May. It's rarely heavy, but it's constant. This means commuting in the dark and wet for a large part of the year. Good tires and a reliable car are essential. Snow is rare but can shut things down for a day or two.

Q: Are there per-diem or travel nursing opportunities locally?
A: Yes, especially at Overlake and UW Medicine. Travel nursing contracts in the Seattle metro area pay very well (often $50-$70/hour plus stipends) due to the high cost of living. This can be a great way to experience the area before committing to a permanent move. Local per-diem agencies are also always looking for experienced RNs to fill gaps.