Dallas, Texas – Healthcare Employment Location Guide

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Dallas, dubbed the Big D, is part of the Metroplex region of Texas, along with Fort Worth. It’s the third-largest city in the state and among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Living in Dallas offers temperate year-round weather, with only occasional snowfall in the winter, making it easy to enjoy all the greenspaces and outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking and communing with nature. Dallas also boasts a thriving art and music scene and hosts a broad array of annual festivals and events.

The city’s vibrant economy and notability as a hub for finance, telecommunications, technology and healthcare provide abundant career opportunities across industries. Healthcare professionals might be further attracted by Dallas’ average cost of living and lower-than-average housing costs coupled with no state income taxes. Overall, nurses and allied health professionals working in Dallas have the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with some disposable income left over for entertainment, higher education or saving for major purchases.

Top Hospitals in Dallas, TX

Nurses in Dallas find a wealth of employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies and skilled nursing homes. The demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals is consistently high in the city of 1.3 million residents and renowned medical facilities. Top healthcare employers in Dallas include the following facilities.

Parkland Hospital

Located north of downtown Dallas, Parkland Hospital ranked as the No. 3 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth and No. 14 in Texas in 2022-2023. As part of the Parkland Health System, it’s the main hospital within the Dallas County Hospital District and sees over a million patients annually. It’s the primary teaching hospital of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, encompassing 17 stories, with 983 beds in a 2.8 million-square-foot campus. The cutting-edge facility is among the nation’s largest public hospitals and the only public hospital in Dallas County. Although the new Parkland Hospital didn’t officially open until August 2015, it traces its roots back to 1894.

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth and No. 2 in Texas in 2022-2023, UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSMC) is a prestigious academic medical center and esteemed research institution. It was founded in 1943 as a medical college and now employs around 18,8000 professionals, delivering healthcare in about 80 specialties. UTSMC ranked nationally in nine specialties and rated high performing in one additional specialty and 17 procedures or conditions. It earned Magnet designation for its nursing excellence in 2016 and offers exciting professional opportunities, whether you’re a recent graduate transitioning to practice or an experienced nurse or allied health professional ready for new challenges.

Methodist Dallas Medical Center

As the flagship of the Methodist Dallas Health System, Methodist Dallas Medical Center (MDMC) boasts a staff of about 2,500, who provided care to 16,665 inpatients and 154,325 outpatients in the year preceding April 2022. Ranked as the No. 5 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth and No. 16 in Texas, MDMC rated high performing in eight procedures or conditions. However, the major medical center provides a full spectrum of care in more than 100 specialties, with 592 licensed beds, a Level 1 Trauma Center and a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It earned Magnet status in 2019 and serves as a teaching hospital for the Methodist Graduate Medical Education program.

Baylor University Medical Center

Located just east of downtown Dallas, Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) is part of the Baylor Scott & White Health system. It ranked as the No. 2 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth and No. 4 in Texas in 2022-2023. It also ranked nationally in one specialty and rated as high performing in five adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. However, it’s home to more than 20 medical specialty centers, caring for over 300,000 patients yearly. Founded in 1903, the world-renowned, not-for-profit healthcare facility is one of the largest employers in Dallas. It serves as a leading teaching and research center for the Southwest region of the nation. It earned Magnet status in 2023.

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Average Nurse and Allied Health Pay Rates in Dallas, TX

Dallas is often known for its competitive compensation packages for healthcare professionals, especially nurses. In early June 2023, staff registered nursing jobs in Dallas paid an average of $49.17 per hour, about 6% higher than the statewide average for nurses. Travel nursing jobs in Dallas also paid about 6% over the statewide norm, t $2,184 per week.

However, allied professionals don’t always fare quite as well. Staff allied health jobs in all fields paid an average of $39.13 hourly during this period, about 4% less than the state average of $40.64. Travel allied health jobs were particularly on the low side, averaging $1,958 weekly for all rolls combined, about 11% lower than the state average. However, travel job wages have tremendous fluctuations each week, sometimes each day.

Altogether, Vivian Health had nearly 1,900 job postings for various nursing or allied health jobs in Dallas, TX, on June 5, 2023. Positions included staff, travel, per diem and local contract roles at top hospitals and other healthcare facilities in and around the metro. The following table demonstrates the average and maximum pay for allied health and nursing jobs in Dallas on this date.

Discipline	Average Pay Rate	Max Pay Rate
Staff Registered Nurse	$49.17/hour	$71/hour
Travel Registered Nurse	$2,184/week	$3,920/week
Staff Allied Health Professional	$39.13/hour	$66/hour
Travel Allied Health Professional	$1,958/week	$3,501/week

While the salaries above reflect the average of all professionals within each discipline, actual pay varies based on specialty, location, experience, work schedules, professional certifications and other factors employers deem essential to the role.

Top-paying non-managerial staff nursing jobs in Dallas, Texas, on June 5, 2023, included emergency department, NICU, CVICU, PICU and ICU nursing roles. The highest-paying travel registered nursing jobs in Dallas included PICU, CVICU and cardiac cath lab nursing positions. Top earners in the allied health field included cardiac sonographers and nuclear medicine, ultrasound and MRI technologists in staff positions and cath lab technologists and cytotechnologists in travel roles.

Cost of Living in Dallas, TX

Dallas has an attractive cost of living that’s just 1% higher than the national average per Sperling’s Best Places. Housing is about 11% lower than the national average, which includes buying or renting a home. Thus, the lower housing prices potentially benefit both staff and travel healthcare professionals. 

Texas also doesn’t collect state income taxes, which benefits staff healthcare professionals but may not benefit travelers who may still pay income taxes to their home state. Consult a tax professional familiar with travel healthcare tax rules for the latest information. Overall, Dallas offers a good location for nurses and allied health workers seeking value without sacrificing comfort and quality.

RELATED: Understanding 2022 Travel Nursing Tax Rules

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Top Locations to Live in Dallas, TX

Dallas offers several desirable neighborhoods to call home, each with unique characteristics. The following provides an overview of some of the more popular Dallas neighborhoods and average home prices when available. However, housing prices can vary greatly based on property size, location, amenities and other factors. Prices included in this section are approximate and subject to change based on current market conditions.

• Uptown: This vibrant, upscale neighborhood just north of downtown Dallas is known for its trendy shops, restaurants and bars. Nurses and allied health professionals seeking a lively social scene won’t be disappointed in Uptown. The neighborhood is also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to commute to work if you prefer not to drive. Housing options range from charming historic single-family homes to luxury high-rise apartments, with median home prices around $500,000 and rental costs starting at around $1,500 per month.

• Deep Ellum: A former warehouse district, Deep Ellum has become famous for its vibrant arts scene, rich history and active nightlife. Located east of downtown Dallas, the neighborhood has become a cultural hub featuring numerous music venues, art galleries and street art. Its creative vibe has made it especially popular among artists, musicians and young professionals, including healthcare providers. Deep Ellum also offers diverse dining options, from food trucks and casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Housing options include renovated warehouses, loft apartments and new home developments. Median home prices run about $400,000, with rental prices starting around $1,500 per month.

• Lakewood: This neighborhood is also located east of downtown Dallas but offers more of a suburban feel while still being close to the city center. Lakewood is known for its tree-lined streets and beautiful parks, offering a picturesque neighborhood for raising a family. Outdoorsy nurses and allied health professionals may also enjoy living in Lakewood for its proximity to the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake. Housing options include historic single-family homes and townhouses, with median home prices around $600,000.

• Bishop Arts District: Another neighborhood for healthcare professionals seeking a lively arts and entertainment atmosphere might enjoy living in the Bishop Arts District. The trendy, artistic neighborhood offers an array of art galleries, unique boutiques and local eateries serving sumptuous meals. Located in North Oak Cliff, this neighborhood has experienced substantial revitalization, with housing options including renovated historic homes as well as modern apartments. Median home prices are around $400,000, and rental costs start at about $1,200 per month.

RELATED: 5 Best Websites for Travel Nurse Housing

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Popular Dallas, TX Attractions

Dallas boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with a rich tapestry of institutions that provide cultural, educational and recreational activities for the community. Arts, theater and music venues include world-class attractions like the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Museum of Art and Texas Ballet Theater. Sports fanatics also feel right at home in Dallas with a stellar list of professional teams to cheer for, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Stars (NHL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Wings (WNBA) and FC Dallas (MLS). Popular attractions in Dallas, TX, include the following.

Dallas Arts District: Located in the northeast corner of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arts District spans 19 blocks or 118 acres, making it the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation. It’s home to world-class performance venues, theaters, museums and galleries. Explore some of the city’s most renowned institutions within the same area, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Museum of Asian Art, Winspear Opera House, Texas Ballet Theater and Nasher Sculpture Center. The District also hosts free public programming, such as the annual Arts District Signature Block Parties. It’s a captivating experience that will ignite your imagination and fuel your creative juices.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Healthcare providers seeking a soothing oasis of beauty and tranquility won’t want to miss the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Spanning 66 acres along the shore of White Rock Lake, the breathtaking showcase of seasonal gardens, serene water features, sculptures and picturesque displays of natural splendor can’t be beaten. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden also offers various horticultural programs, peaceful walking trails and a calendar full of events that provide a delightful escape after a hectic workday.

Southfork Ranch: Nurses and allied health professionals old enough to remember wondering, “Who Shot J.R.?” might enjoy visiting the iconic Southfork Ranch, home to the Ewing family on the long-running nighttime soap opera Dallas. The hit television show followed the often bickering, backstabbing clan on their sprawling ranch that served as the family’s oil dynasty. Southfork Ranch offers a nostalgic journey into this glamourous world, with guided tours, behind-the-scenes secrets and a meticulously preserved mansion that captivated audiences for 14 seasons.

Dallas World Aquarium: Healthcare providers with families looking for immersive exhibits featuring exotic animals shouldn’t miss the captivating Dallas World Aquarium. The diverse ecosystems and impressive array of marine and land animals will enchant visitors, young and old. Located in downtown Dallas, the Aquarium offers an engaging and educational experience with everything from vibrant underwater coral reefs to lush tropical rainforests. Exhibits feature tropical fish, exotic birds, playful penguins, predatory sharks, reptiles and more. 

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Dallas’ Foodie Scene

The Big D’s delectable southern cuisines, including its famous version of Texas barbeque, will make your mouth water. Dallas is a veritable food mecca and culinary playground for foodies of all calibers. The city has more restaurants per capita than any other major metro area in the nation, boasting phenomenal meals and a flourishing farm-to-table movement that sparks the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to add to the mix. The smorgasbord of options includes everything from Dallas’ exceptional Tex-Mex cuisine to its legendary barbecue, featuring succulent ribs, brisket and sausages.

For food lovers looking for upscale dining or international fare, Dallas is also noted for numerous ethnic delicacies from Vietnamese to Mediterranean cuisines and everything in between. Just when you think you’ve tried it all, along comes the food trucks that have made a significant impact, offering innovative gourmet delights on wheels and food festivals featuring diverse culinary treats from renowned chefs. Combined, it’s easy to see why Dallas has become a food lover’s paradise.

Getting Around Big D

Public transportation in Dallas is relatively cheap, with many options available. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system includes buses, light rail and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail line. It has 64 rail stations, 14 bus transfer stations and 10 TRE stations. 

The TRE commuter train runs between central Dallas and Fort Worth, while DART operates several bus services around the city to help commuters get to work reliably. The light rail network spans the city, with convenient access to prominent places of employment, including local hospitals.

Travel nurses and allied health workers can easily get to and from the city by way of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

Overall, Dallas offers an ideal location for healthcare professionals living in Texas seeking employment at top-rated hospitals. Nurses and allied health professionals looking for staff or travel positions in Dallas or anywhere in Texas can count on Vivian Health to help them find their perfect job. We also offer career tips for nurses in Dallas to further assist with their job search. Sign up with Vivian Health and let us help you take the next step on your career journey.