The Complete Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Tacoma, WA

So you're a nurse thinking about Tacoma. You're looking for a city with a strong healthcare market, a reasonable cost of living, and a distinct Pacific Northwest vibe. You're in the right place. Tacoma isn't just Seattle's neighbor; it's a robust, independent city with its own major medical centers, a growing population, and a character all its own. This guide is designed to give you the straight facts—the data, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the real-world math—to help you decide if this is the right move for your career and your life.

As a local, I can tell you that Tacoma offers a unique blend of urban and accessible. You get the cultural amenities of a city, the stunning waterfront, and quick access to mountains and water without the relentless pace and price tag of Seattle. For a Registered Nurse, the job market is solid, the pay is competitive, and the quality of life can be excellent. Let's break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

Tacoma's nursing salaries are strong, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for an RN here is $89,426/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $42.99/hour. This sits above the national average of $86,070/year, which is a significant advantage. The metro area supports a healthy 2,006 nursing jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, indicating stable demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Tacoma market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Tacoma)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $82,000	Often starts at larger hospital systems like MultiCare or PeaceHealth. Expect to work in med-surg, telemetry, or acute care.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $100,000	This is where you start to see specialization impact pay. Nurses with ER, ICU, or OR experience command the higher end.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Often includes charge nurse roles, clinical nurse specialists, or highly specialized units.
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$110,000 - $135,000+	Includes roles like NP, CRNA (with advanced degrees), or director-level positions. Travel nursing contracts can also hit these levels.

How Tacoma Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle: Higher median salary (~$95k), but cost of living is drastically higher. The commute from Tacoma is a major factor.
• Spokane: Lower median salary (~$80k) with a significantly lower cost of living.
• Olympia: Similar salary range to Tacoma, but a smaller market with fewer specialty roles.
• Bellevue/Kirkland: Salaries are on par with Seattle, but the cost of living is arguably the highest in the state.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Shift differentials in the Tacoma area can add $3-$8/hour for nights, weekends, and holidays. Overtime is also readily available at major hospitals, which can push your annual income well above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. With a median salary of $89,426/year, what does your monthly budget actually look like in Tacoma?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Income: $7,452/month
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, WA State): ~$1,800/month (approx. 24% effective rate)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,652/month

Cost of Living Context:

• Tacoma Cost of Living Index: 113.0 (13% higher than the national average of 100)
• Average 1-BR Rent: $1,603/month

Monthly Budget Example:

• Rent (1-BR): $1,603
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $250
• Student Loans/Debt: $300
• Personal/Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): $1,349

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $450,000. For a single RN earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with a dual-income household or after several years of saving and career advancement, homeownership is absolutely achievable. Many nurses in Tacoma take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs and use their consistent income to secure favorable mortgage rates. With a net take-home of ~$5,652, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,500-$2,800 would be a stretch on a single income, but feasible for a couple.

Where the Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

Tacoma's healthcare market is dominated by a few major players, with a growing presence of specialty clinics and community health centers.

1. MultiCare Health System: The largest employer in the region, operating Tacoma General Hospital (a Level II Trauma Center) and Allenmore Hospital. They have a massive footprint and offer everything from ER to oncology to pediatrics. Hiring is constant, and they have strong tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
2. St. Joseph Medical Center (Part of CHI Franciscan): Located in the heart of Tacoma, it's another major acute care facility. It's part of a larger network, which can offer mobility to other facilities in Western Washington.
3. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (Bellingham-based): While their main campus is in Bellingham, they have a significant outpatient and specialty presence in the South Sound, including in Tacoma. Good for nurses seeking a slightly different organizational culture.
4. Madigan Army Medical Center: Located just north in Lakewood, this is the military's primary medical facility for the region. It offers unique opportunities for nurses interested in treating a diverse patient population, including active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. Federal benefits are a major draw.
5. Tacoma Community College (TCC) & University of Washington Tacoma (UWT): For nurses interested in moving into education, these institutions have nursing programs and often hire clinical instructors. UWT also has a well-regarded School of Nursing for BSN and graduate programs.
6. Community Health Centers (CHCs): Organizations like Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Valley Medical Center (in Renton, but serving the South Sound) are vital. They focus on underserved populations and often offer a different pace and mission-driven environment.
7. Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation: Companies like Providence and smaller local operators have numerous facilities in the area. These can be a great entry point or for nurses specializing in geriatrics and rehabilitation.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong demand for nurses with certifications in Critical Care (CCRN), Emergency (CEN), and Oncology (OCN). The move towards outpatient care is also creating more jobs in surgical centers, urgent care, and specialty clinics.

Getting Licensed in Washington

Washington State has its own licensing process, which you'll need to complete through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). If you're licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

Key Steps & Requirements:

1. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement: This is the standard path for an already-licensed RN. You'll need to submit an application, pay the fee (~$155), and provide verification of your current license from your home state.
2. Submit Fingerprints: A criminal background check is required. You must schedule an appointment with a vendor like IdentGO. The fee is approximately $46.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN: If you're a new graduate, you'll need to pass this exam. Washington is a member of the NCLEX consortium, so the process is standardized.
4. Compact State Consideration: Washington is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means you cannot practice in Washington with a multi-state license from a compact state. You must obtain a Washington-specific license. This is a crucial detail for travel nurses or those considering multi-state work.

Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application. It's advisable to start the process before you move, especially if you have a job offer pending.

Insider Tip: The Washington State DOH website is your best resource. Keep copies of everything. Delays often happen due to incomplete fingerprinting or verification requests to your original nursing school.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Tacoma will heavily influence your commute and lifestyle. Tacoma is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute to Major Hospitals	Estimated 1-BR Rent	Ideal For...
Proctor District	Charming, walkable, with local shops and cafes. ~10-15 min drive to Tacoma General/MultiCare.	$1,700 - $1,900	Nurses who want a classic, community feel with easy access to work and the Point Defiance Park.
North End	Trendy, near the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Diverse food scene. ~10 min to hospitals.	$1,600 - $1,800	Younger professionals, those who enjoy urban energy and proximity to the waterfront.
South End	More residential, family-oriented. Quieter than the North End. ~15-20 min to hospitals, longer to Tacoma General.	$1,400 - $1,650	Nurses seeking more space, lower rent, and a quieter suburban feel. Good access to I-5 for commutes to other cities.
Stadium District	Historic, walkable, with a mix of old homes and new apartments. Home to the Tacoma Dome. ~10 min to hospitals.	$1,500 - $1,750	Those who appreciate history, walkability, and easy access to downtown events.
Hilltop	Up-and-coming, with a strong community vibe and ongoing revitalization. ~10-15 min to hospitals.	$1,300 - $1,500	Nurses looking for affordability, a strong sense of community, and a neighborhood on the rise.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 can be a bottleneck. Living in the South End or Hilltop can sometimes mean a longer commute to Tacoma General (in the central part of the city) during peak hours. The Tacoma Link light rail is free and runs from the Stadium District to the University of Washington Tacoma, which can be a great option for nurses working near those stops.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tacoma is a solid place to build a long-term nursing career. The market is large enough to support specialization and advancement without forcing you to leave the area.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into a high-demand specialty can increase your salary by 10-20%. The most in-demand specialties in the area are:

  • Emergency Nursing: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is highly valued.
  • Critical Care: CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) is essential for ICU roles.
  • Oncology: OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) is sought after at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (which has a partnership with MultiCare) and other cancer centers.
  • Labor & Delivery: Always in demand, with the pay to match.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have a clinical ladder program that rewards education, certifications, and charge nurse roles with increased pay.
  2. Advanced Practice: Getting your MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) significantly increases your earning potential and scope of practice. UWT and Seattle universities offer excellent programs.
  3. Management: Moving into a unit manager or director role requires an MSN, MBA, or MHA and offers a major salary bump.
  4. Per Diem & Travel: The Tacoma area is a hub for travel nursing contracts, especially for critical care and ER. This can be a lucrative way to boost income while still living in the area.

10-Year Outlook: With an aging population and the expansion of healthcare services, the 6% job growth is likely to hold steady or even increase. The focus will continue to shift towards outpatient care, home health, and telehealth, creating new types of nursing roles.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your $89,426 salary goes further here than in Seattle.	Not a Compact State: You must get a separate WA license.
Robust Job Market: 2,006 jobs and 6% growth provide stability.	Traffic: Commutes can be slow, especially on I-5.
Diverse Employers: Options from major hospitals to military and community health.	Rain & Gray Winters: The Pacific Northwest climate is a real factor.
Outdoor Access: Mountains, water, and parks are minutes away.	Urban Challenges: Like any city, there are areas with higher crime rates.
Growing & Improving City: Significant investment in downtown and neighborhoods.	The "Tacoma Aroma": A historical issue related to industrial areas, though it has improved dramatically.

Final Recommendation:
Tacoma is an excellent choice for most Registered Nurses. It strikes a pragmatic balance. If you're a nurse who values a solid paycheck, a wide variety of job opportunities, and a Pacific Northwest lifestyle without the extreme cost of living of Seattle, Tacoma deserves serious consideration. It's particularly well-suited for mid-career nurses looking to specialize or advance, and for those who want to buy a home within a reasonable timeframe. If you're a new grad, it's a fantastic place to start, with large hospitals offering structured training programs.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get a Washington RN license by endorsement?
Plan for 4-8 weeks from the time you submit a complete application, including fingerprints and fees. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer or are serious about moving.

2. Is the commute from Tacoma to Seattle hospitals feasible?
It's common, but challenging. The commute via I-5 can take 45-90 minutes each way during peak traffic. Many nurses do it, especially for higher Seattle pay, but it's a major lifestyle factor. The Sounder Train is a reliable alternative for those working in downtown Seattle.

3. What's the best way to find a nursing job in Tacoma?
Check the "Careers" pages directly on the websites of MultiCare, PeaceHealth, and St. Joseph. Indeed and LinkedIn are also heavily used. For travel nursing, agencies like AMN Healthcare and Aya Healthcare frequently post contracts in the area.

4. Are there opportunities for nurses without a BSN?
Yes, but it's becoming more limited. Most major hospitals (especially MultiCare) prefer or require a BSN for acute care roles. However, you can find positions in long-term care, home health, and some clinics with an ADN. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to help you get your BSN.

5. What is the nursing culture like in Tacoma hospitals?
It's generally considered collaborative and team-oriented. The pace can be fast in the ER and ICU, but the overall culture is supportive. As with any large hospital system, there can be variability between units and managers. It's always a good idea to read reviews on sites like Glassdoor and ask about unit-specific culture during your interview.