Ontario, California: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Professionals with Competitive Salaries and Growing Job Opportunities in Diverse Healthcare Settings
Living in Ontario, California, a suburban gem nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire, I've witnessed firsthand how our city, with its diverse culture and proximity to major urban areas, fosters a robust nursing job market. Here, registered nurses can expect to earn between $35.12 and $49.00 an hour, translating to an annual salary range of roughly $73,000 to $102,000. This is quite favorable when you consider that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses across the nation is about $77,600, with our state, California, showing higher averages around $86,000. Ontario’s unique blend of local parks, shopping centers like the Ontario Mills, and its thrilling proximity to the San Bernardino National Forest makes it an attractive place to live and work. We not only offer a vibrant community but also a gateway to the bustling economies of Los Angeles and San Diego, allowing us to retain and attract qualified healthcare professionals.
The nursing job market in Ontario is not just about salaries. Over the next decade, we project a pressing need for around 2,500 new nurses, largely due to population growth and the natural turnover in the workforce. Currently, NurseRecruiter estimates that Ontario is home to approximately 6,000 employed nurses. With increasing healthcare needs, traveling nurses are gaining traction here, driven largely by the high demand during flu seasons and summer months when local facilities experience patient surges. Similarly, per diem nursing jobs are thriving in the Ontario area, providing flexible opportunities for those wishing to balance work with other commitments. Compared to our neighboring cities, such as Riverside and San Bernardino, we enjoy a steady influx of job opportunities and a more favorable cost of living. While Riverside often competes with us in healthcare, our city boasts a greater variety of clinics and specialized healthcare facilities, including the highly regarded San Antonio Regional Hospital and the Ontario Health Center, creating a unique place for nursing jobs and growth.
Healthcare facilities in Ontario are not only abundant but also characterized by a variety of specialties. With over 10 major hospitals and myriad clinics catering to diverse populations, nurses can find roles in pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care. The recent developments at local hospitals, such as the expansion of oncology and rehabilitation units, reflect significant investments in healthcare infrastructure aimed at improving community health. We’re proud of our city’s commitment to public health initiatives, addressing everything from preventative care to chronic disease management, further securing Ontario's place as a pivotal center for nursing professionals. With a steady population growth projecting us to hit approximately 200,000 residents by 2025, the demand for skilled nursing professionals can only surge. Here in Ontario, whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a newcomer, there are ample opportunities waiting to be explored. For those looking to dive into the local job market, I encourage you to register with NurseRecruiter to discover job matches that fit your skills and lifestyle, and let employers know that NurseRecruiter can help them find local candidates who are ready to contribute to our vibrant healthcare community.