Registered Nurse in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local who's watched Round Rock grow from a quiet suburb into a robust city in its own right, I can tell you that the nursing market here is stable, competitive, and surprisingly nuanced. The data shows Registered Nurses in the Round Rock metro earn a median salary of $85,450/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85,450. This sits slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but don't let that fool you—the cost of living here is notably lower, making your paycheck go further.

The job market is solid, with 1,185 nursing jobs currently in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is 6%, which is steady but not explosive. This reflects Round Rock's position as a mature, growing community rather than a boomtown. The big driver is the expanding population (metro population of 131,735) and the concentration of healthcare services in the corridor between Round Rock, Georgetown, and North Austin.

Experience-Level Breakdown for Round Rock:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Local Employers Hiring at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $78,000	St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, Ascension Seton Williamson, Baylor Scott & White Round Rock
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$83,000 - $92,000	All major hospitals, Dell Seton Medical Center at Round Rock, specialty clinics
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Leadership roles, charge nurse positions, specialty units (ICU, ER, L&D)
Expert/Advanced Practice	$105,000+	Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists at specialized clinics

Round Rock vs. Other Texas Cities (Annual Salaries):

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Purchasing Power Factor
Round Rock	$85,450	97.6	1.02 (Higher than national)
Austin Metro	$89,600	103.7	0.98 (Slightly below national)
Houston	$87,300	93.0	1.05 (Above national)
Dallas-Fort Worth	$88,100	97.0	1.03 (Above national)
San Antonio	$82,500	88.5	1.09 (Above national)

Insider Tip: While Austin pays slightly more, the commute from Round Rock to downtown Austin can be brutal (30-60 minutes each way). Many Round Rock nurses work locally and avoid that stress. The Cost of Living Index of 97.6 means you're getting about 2.4% more purchasing power than the national average, which translates to real savings on everyday expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about what that $85,450 salary means for your bottom line in Round Rock. Texas has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage. For a single filer, federal taxes (including FICA) would be approximately 22-25% of your gross income, depending on deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Registered Nurse Earning $85,450 (Round Rock):

Category	Amount	Details
Gross Monthly Income	$7,121	$85,450 ÷ 12
Federal Taxes (22% est.)	- $1,567	Approx. 22% marginal rate
Take-Home Pay	$5,554	After federal tax only
Rent (1BR Average)	- $1,635	$1,635/month local average
Utilities	- $180	Electricity, water, internet
Car Payment/Fuel	- $450	Texas requires car ownership
Groceries	- $400	For single person
Insurance (Health/Car)	- $350	Employer may cover health
Miscellaneous	- $500	Dining, entertainment, savings
Remaining	$2,039	For debt, savings, investments

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Round Rock is approximately $425,000 (as of 2023). With 20% down ($85,000), you'd need a mortgage of $340,000. At current interest rates (~7%), your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,700. That's higher than the $1,635 average rent for a 1BR.

Reality Check: Buying a home on a single RN salary is challenging without significant savings or a dual income. However, many Round Rock nurses buy homes in their 30s-40s after career advancement or with a partner. The neighborhoods in Section 5 offer more affordable options for first-time buyers.

Insider Tip: If you're considering home ownership, target neighborhoods like Forest Creek or Round Rock West where you can find homes in the $350,000-$400,000 range. These areas are popular with healthcare workers due to proximity to hospitals and reasonable commutes.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock's healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few major players, with some interesting niche opportunities. Here are the key employers and what you need to know about their hiring practices:

1. St. David's Round Rock Medical Center (2000 S. Mays St.)

• 125-bed acute care facility
• Hiring trends: Consistent need for Med-Surg, ER, and L&D nurses. They offer sign-on bonuses (typically $5,000-$10,000) for night shift and hard-to-fill specialties.
• Insider tip: They have a strong internal transfer program. Many nurses start on Med-Surg and move to specialty units within 1-2 years.

2. Ascension Seton Williamson (201 Seton Pkwy, Georgetown)

• 126-bed hospital just north of Round Rock
• Hiring trends: Currently expanding their cardiac and orthopedic units. They prefer nurses with at least 1 year of experience but have new grad residency programs.
• Insider tip: Georgetown is growing fast, and property values are rising. Consider this if you want more space for your housing dollar.

3. Baylor Scott & White Round Rock (300 University Blvd)

• 35-bed specialty hospital focusing on surgery, orthopedics, and cardiac care
• Hiring trends: Very selective, prefers experienced nurses. They pay $5,000-$8,000 above median for specialty certifications.
• Insider tip: This is a great place for nurses who want to specialize without the intensity of a large ER or ICU. The patient volume is managed better than at larger hospitals.

4. Dell Seton Medical Center at Round Rock (300 University Blvd, same campus as Baylor)

• 100-bed hospital opened in 2021
• Hiring trends: Aggressive expansion, especially in ER, ICU, and women's services. They're offering relocation assistance for nurses moving from outside the area.
• Insider tip: Being newer, they have modern equipment and less entrenched bureaucracy. Great for nurses who value innovation.

5. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) (RRISD Administrative Building)

• School nurse positions (typically 10-month contracts)
• Hiring trends: Competitive, often requires BSN and school nursing certification. Pay is lower than hospital positions but offers summers off.
• Insider tip: The $85,450 median doesn't apply here—school nurses typically earn $55,000-$65,000. However, the work-life balance is exceptional.

6. Seton Northwest Hospital (West Austin, 20-minute commute)

• 101-bed facility in Austin's northwest corridor
• Hiring trends: Often hires Round Rock residents seeking variety. Good for nurses who want urban hospital experience without living downtown.
• Insider tip: The commute via I-35 and US-183 is manageable if you work mid-shift (avoiding rush hour).

7. Local Urgent Care & Specialty Clinics (Various locations)

• Concentrated in Round Rock Market and La Frontera shopping centers
• Hiring trends: Steady demand for experienced nurses, especially for family practice, orthopedics, and dermatology. Pay is typically $35-$42/hour.
• Insider tip: These clinics offer the best work-life balance, usually M-F 8-5 with weekends off. Ideal for nurses with young families.

Hiring Season Insight: The biggest hiring pushes happen in January-March (post-holiday, pre-summer) and August-September (back-to-school, pre-winter flu season). New graduates should apply for May graduation to catch the summer hiring wave.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a streamlined but specific licensing process through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Here's what you need to know if you're coming from out of state or just starting your career.

Basic Requirements:

1. NCLEX-RN Exam – Must pass within 90 days of graduation
2. Background Check – Fingerprinting required (cost: $38.25)
3. Jurisprudence Exam – 50-question open-book test on Texas nursing laws (cost: $20)
4. Application Fee – $100 for new license
5. Education Verification – From your nursing program

Timeline for New Graduates:

• Application to BON: 2-4 weeks before graduation
• NCLEX scheduling: Within 1-2 weeks of approval
• Results: Typically 48 hours after exam
• Total time: 4-8 weeks from graduation to active license

For Nurses Moving from Another State:

• Endorsement Process: Similar to new license but faster if you're already licensed elsewhere
• Timeline: 3-6 weeks if no issues with your current license
• Cost: Same as new license ($100 + $38.25 fingerprint + $20 jurisprudence)
• Compact State Advantage: If you're from a compact state (like Florida, Tennessee, or Oklahoma), you can practice for 90 days while your Texas license processes

Insider Tip on Testing Centers: Round Rock doesn't have an NCLEX testing center—closest are in Austin or Temple. Book your exam early; slots fill up quickly. Many nurses I know schedule their exam for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning to avoid weekend crowds.

Specialty Certifications That Pay Off in Texas:

• ACLS/PALS – Required for most hospital jobs, expect employers to pay
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing) – $3,000-$5,000 premium for ER nurses
• RNC-OB (L&D) – $2,000-$4,000 premium for obstetrics
• CCRN (Critical Care) – $4,000-$7,000 premium for ICU

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Round Rock's neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles and budgets. As someone who's lived here through the housing boom, here are my top picks for healthcare workers.

1. Old Town Round Rock

• Rent Estimate: $1,400-$1,800 (1BR apartment)
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown hospitals
• Vibe: Historic walkability, local restaurants, farmers market
• Best for: Nurses who want urban convenience without Austin prices
• Insider tip: The $1,400 apartments are older but charming. Look near Main Street for walkability to coffee shops—perfect for night shift nurses needing daytime errands.

2. Forest Creek

• Rent Estimate: $1,700-$2,100 (2BR apartment), $400,000+ (homes)
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Family-friendly, great parks, good schools
• Best for: Nurses with children or who want community amenities
• Insider tip: The Round Rock Premium Outlets are here—great for off-duty shopping. The Forest Creek Community Center offers cheap fitness classes.

3. Round Rock West

• Rent Estimate: $1,500-$1,900 (1BR-2BR)
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Established suburban, single-family homes dominate
• Best for: Nurses ready for home ownership, quieter lifestyle
• Insider tip: This area has the best $350,000-$400,000 starter homes. The Teravista Golf Club offers discounted memberships for healthcare workers.

4. La Frontera Area

• Rent Estimate: $1,600-$2,000 (1BR apartment)
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Modern, shopping-centric, younger crowd
• Best for: Nurses who want convenience and proximity to work
• Insider tip: The La Frontera shopping center has excellent dining—perfect for grabbing a quick meal between shifts. The apartments here are newer with modern amenities.

5. Brushy Creek

• Rent Estimate: $1,800-$2,200 (2BR apartment)
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to hospitals
• Vibe: Upscale, nature-focused, highly rated schools
• Best for: Nurses with higher income or families
• Insider tip: The Brushy Creek Regional Trail is a favorite for nurses who run or bike for stress relief. The $2,200 rent gets you luxury amenities—worth it if you value outdoor space.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-35 is notoriously bad during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). Most nurses live within 15 minutes of their hospital and work staggered shifts to avoid peak traffic. If you're considering a job in Georgetown or Austin, factor in an extra 20 minutes during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Round Rock offers solid advancement opportunities, though it's not a major academic medical center like Houston or Dallas. Here's what to expect for long-term growth.

Specialty Premiums (Above Median Salary):

Specialty	Premium	Notes
ICU/CCU	+$5,000 - $8,000	Critical care certs required
ER/Trauma	+$4,000 - $7,000	TNCC and experience valued
L&D/Postpartum	+$3,000 - $5,000	RNC-OB certification helps
Oncology	+$2,000 - $4,000	Growing need in Round Rock
Pediatrics	+$2,000 - $4,000	Limited positions, competitive

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals have 4-tier systems (I-IV). Moving from Tier I to IV typically adds $8,000-$12,000 annually.
2. Charge Nurse: $5,000-$8,000 premium plus leadership experience
3. Nurse Manager: $105,000-$130,000 range (requires BSN minimum, often MSN)
4. Clinical Specialist: $95,000-$115,000 (requires certifications and experience)
5. Nurse Practitioner: $110,000-$140,000 (requires MSN/DNP)

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth aligns with Texas's overall healthcare expansion. Round Rock is part of the "Austin metro" which is projected to grow significantly. Key trends:

• Aging population: More geriatric care needs
• Tech influx: Dell's presence drives demand for corporate health services
• Specialization: Growth in orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology
• Telehealth: Emerging opportunities for remote triage and follow-up

Insider Tip: Round Rock nurses often take advantage of Texas State University's nursing programs in nearby San Marcos for continuing education. The $85,450 median can jump to $100,000+ with the right certifications and 5-7 years of experience. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for MSN programs.

Reality Check: If you want to become a Nurse Practitioner or CRNA, you'll likely need to commute to Austin or San Antonio for programs. Round Rock doesn't have a nursing school with graduate programs (though it has excellent ADN and BSN programs at Temple College and Texas State Round Rock Campus).

The Verdict: