Registered Nurse Jobs in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri$72,000 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Registered Nurse Jobs in St. Louis

Looking for a Registered Nurse job in St. Louis? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Registered Nurse in St. Louis, MO.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

St. Louis has a strong job market for Registered Nurses. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Registered Nurse Salary in St. Louis

Entry Level
$45,900
Median
$72,000
Senior Level
$103,500

Registered Nurse salaries in St. Louis are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO is a major regional employment hub for Registered Nurse professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, St. Louis offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Finance sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in St. Louis

BJC HealthCareSSM HealthMercyAscension

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in St. Louis include BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, Ascension. With major hospital systems and research institutions, St. Louis offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in St. Louis

Living in St. Louis as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month (39% below the national average). At median Registered Nurse salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending.

90
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.1K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in St. Louis

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in St. Louis: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Missouri

Missouri has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in St. Louis is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. St. Louis's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Relocating to St. Louis

St. Louis's affordable cost of living means your Registered Nurse salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in St. Louis, MO?

The average Registered Nurse salary in St. Louis, MO is $72,000 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $45,900, while experienced professionals can earn $103,500 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a strong job market with regular openings for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, Ascension. The Healthcare and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is St. Louis a good city for Registered Nurses?

St. Louis is an very good choice for Registered Nurses. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in St. Louis?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in St. Louis include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in St. Louis?

St. Louis's cost of living is near the national average (90% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month. Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in St. Louis?

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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