Registered Nurse in San Angelo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where San Angelo Stands

As a local, I can tell you that nursing salaries in San Angelo are solid for the region, but you need to understand the context. The median salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) here is $83,720/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.25/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but the cost of living in San Angelo makes that salary go much further. The metro area has 874 nursing jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%—steady, if not explosive, growth.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level. These are estimated ranges based on local market data and the median salary provided.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for San Angelo
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	New grads often start at major hospitals like Shannon or Christus. Shift differentials for nights/weekends are common.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	This is where the median $83,720 sits. Specialization or charge nurse roles push you to the higher end.
Senior (10-19 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	Experience pays off here. Leadership, education, or specialty certs (e.g., critical care) can exceed this.
Expert (20+ years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Top-tier roles in management, advanced practice (if licensed), or niche specialties. Rare to break $110k without advanced degrees.

Compared to other Texas cities, San Angelo offers a compelling balance. While you might earn a higher dollar amount in larger metros like Dallas ($89,000+) or Houston ($88,000+), the cost of living index in San Angelo is 90.9 (US average = 100). That means your paycheck stretches further. For example, a similar RN salary in Austin (cost of living ~115) would feel like a pay cut in real terms. San Angelo is a "sweet spot" for value, especially for nurses from higher-cost states.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real numbers. For an RN earning the median $83,720/year, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown after key expenses. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions and Texas's lack of state income tax.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $83,720 / 12 = $6,977
• Estimated Deductions (Federal Tax, FICA, Insurance): ~$1,800
• Estimated Net Monthly Pay: $5,177

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent of $927/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Income: $5,177
• Rent (1BR): $927
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500
• Health Insurance (Employee Premium): $300
• Student Loans/Debt: $300
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Savings): $1,700

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, travel, or hobbies—something you'd struggle with in many other cities. Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a down payment, a mortgage on a $200,000 home (plenty available in San Angelo) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400/month, including taxes and insurance. On this salary, that’s a manageable ~25% of your net income, well within the recommended 30% threshold. Local realtors often note that many healthcare professionals are first-time homebuyers here.

Where the Jobs Are: San Angelo's Major Employers

San Angelo's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market is stable, with turnover mostly due to retirement or relocation, not layoffs. Here’s where the 874 jobs are concentrated:

1. Shannon Medical Center: The city's largest employer. A 288-bed Level III Trauma facility with a wide range of services. They have a massive footprint on the north side (near Houston Harte Expy). Hiring is constant for Med-Surg, ICU, ER, and Labor & Delivery. Insider tip: Shannon is known for strong internal career ladders and tuition reimbursement.
2. Christus Health (St. Vincent's & Good Shepherd): Christus operates two key facilities: St. Vincent's (downtown, older, community-focused) and Good Shepherd (a newer, larger facility on the south side near the airport). They are aggressively expanding specialty services. Hiring trends favor oncology, cardiac, and surgical services.
3. San Angelo Community Medical Center (SAMC): A 171-bed hospital part of the HCA network. Located on Knickerbocker Road, it's a major competitor to Shannon. They focus on surgical services, women's health, and cardiology. Good option for nurses seeking a slightly different hospital culture.
4. Texas Tech Physicians of San Angelo: This is the academic medicine arm. If you're interested in teaching, research, or work with resident physicians, this is your spot. They have clinics and an outpatient surgery center. Positions here are more competitive but offer great learning opportunities.
5. Angelo State University Health & Wellness Center: A smaller but stable employer for nurses interested in campus health. It’s a calmer pace, ideal for those with school-age kids or seeking a break from hospital shifts.
6. West Texas Rehabilitation Center: A unique facility specializing in physical rehab, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. It's a fantastic place for nurses who want to focus on long-term patient recovery and family education. Located on Jane F. Faye Blvd.
7. Private Clinics & Specialty Practices: Don't overlook smaller employers. The city has a growing number of private practices in orthopedics (like West Texas Orthopedics), dermatology, and primary care. These offer regular business hours and are often hiring for clinic RN roles.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from out of state, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is straightforward but requires planning. Do not practice until you have your Texas license.

• Requirements: You need to complete the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (a free online test on the BON website), submit a background check, and pay the application fee. If your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you can practice in Texas with your home state license, but you must declare Texas as your primary state to be eligible for compact privileges. Texas is part of the NLC.
• Cost: The application fee is $100. The background check (through the Texas Department of Public Safety) is about $38.25. Total is roughly $138.25.
• Timeline: From submitting a complete application to receiving your license, plan for 4-8 weeks. It can be faster if your home state is a compact state and everything is in order. Insider tip: Start the process before you move. The Texas BON website has a clear checklist for endorsements.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in San Angelo depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Most healthcare jobs are concentrated along the north and south sides of town.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
North Central (Shannon Area)	Established, quiet, close to the hospital. Mature trees, older homes (1950s-70s). Commute to Shannon is 5-10 mins.	$900 - $1,100	Nurses who want a short commute to Shannon Medical Center and prefer a traditional, settled feel.
South Side (Good Shepherd/SAMC Area)	Newer developments, more modern apartment complexes. Close to shopping (Sunset Mall, restaurants). Commute to Christus/SAMC is 10-15 mins.	$850 - $1,050	Younger professionals, families looking for newer amenities, and those working at Christus Good Shepherd or SAMC.
Downtown/Concho Ave	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Home to St. Vincent's Hospital and a growing arts scene. Older apartments and lofts.	$750 - $950	Nurses who want an urban feel, enjoy walking to coffee shops and events, and work at St. Vincent's.
Knickerbocker Road Corridor	Commercial hub with many apartments and single-family homes. Easy access to the expressway. Mid-range.	$800 - $950	A practical, central location for those who work at multiple hospitals or want easy access to the whole city.
Angelo State University Area	College-town atmosphere, with rentals near campus. Quieter in the summer. May require a 15-minute commute to downtown hospitals.	$700 - $900	Nurses who like a youthful energy, want to be near campus recreation, or work at the university health center.

The Long Game: Career Growth

San Angelo isn't a major medical research hub, but it offers solid advancement paths. The 6% job growth ensures opportunities keep pace with demand.

• Specialty Premiums: While specific differentials are negotiated per hospital, you can expect a $2-$4/hour premium for night/weekend shifts. Specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, CEN) can add $1,500-$3,000 annually in certification pay at major hospitals like Shannon or Christus.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from RN I to RN III or IV based on experience, certifications, and committee work.
  2. Charge Nurse/Supervisor: Staffing and operational leadership.
  3. Education/Case Management: Moving into clinical educator, patient navigator, or case manager roles.
  4. Nurse Practitioner (NP): Texas has a full-practice authority for NPs. With a Master's or DNP, you can open a practice or work in a clinic (often at a significant salary increase, into the $110,000-$130,000 range locally). Texas Tech and Angelo State offer graduate nursing programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in West Texas and the region's role as a hub for surrounding rural areas means demand for skilled nurses will remain strong. The growth may be in outpatient and home health services as healthcare shifts away from inpatient beds. Investing in specialty certs now will pay off.

The Verdict: Is San Angelo Right for You?

San Angelo offers a fantastic quality of life for nurses who value affordability, a slower pace, and a tight-knit community. It's not for everyone, but for many, it's a perfect fit.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes 15-20% further than the national average.	Limited Entertainment: No major sports teams, concerts, or museums like in big cities. You'll drive to Austin or Dallas for some events.
Short Commutes: Most nurses live within 15-20 minutes of work. Traffic is minimal.	Isolated Location: It's a 2.5-hour drive to San Antonio or Abilene. It can feel far from major airports and amenities.
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers reduce the risk of unemployment.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity. The city is spread out.
Family-Friendly: Great schools (especially in the South Side), low crime, and a community feel.	Weather: Summers are very hot and dry; winters can be windy and occasionally cold. Tornadoes are a seasonal risk.
Outdoor Access: The Concho River, nearby lakes, and wide-open West Texas skies are great for hiking, fishing, and stargazing.	Political/Social Climate: It's a conservative city in a conservative state, which may not align with everyone's personal views.

Final Recommendation: San Angelo is an excellent choice for experienced nurses seeking financial stability and a strong sense of community, or for new graduates looking to build experience without crushing debt. It’s less ideal for those who crave constant urban buzz or who are in highly niche specialties that require a large academic medical center. If you work in Med-Surg, ICU, ER, or L&D, you'll find plenty of opportunities and a great life here.

FAQs

Q: Is the salary enough to live comfortably as a single person?
A: Yes. With the median salary of $83,720 and low rent, a single RN can live very comfortably, save money, and still enjoy a good social life. The budget breakdown shows a strong surplus after essentials.

Q: What is the typical shift schedule like?
A: Hospitals typically operate on 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). Common schedules are 3 days on, 4 days off, or variations like 2 on, 2 off. This is fantastic for work-life balance and allows for extended weekends off.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
A: It's competitive but fair. Major hospitals like Shannon and Christus have new graduate residency programs, but they are selective. The best strategy is to apply 3-4 months before graduation, network with local nurses, and be flexible with shifts (nights/weekends). Having a Texas license in hand before applying is a huge advantage.

Q: Can I travel nurse in San Angelo?
A: Yes, but the travel market is smaller than in major metros. You'll see openings, especially during flu season or summer when staff take vacations. The pay is good, but the real draw is the low cost of living, which lets you bank most of your stipend. Agencies like Aya Healthcare and AMN Healthcare frequently staff local hospitals.

Q: What's the community like for nurses outside of work?
A: Strong. Many nurses socialize through church, outdoor groups (the San Angelo State Park is popular), or casual meetups. The city's size means you'll run into colleagues at the grocery store, which fosters a supportive network. There are active local chapters for nursing associations (like the Texas Nurses Association) if you're interested in professional advocacy.