Exploring the Thriving Nursing Job Market in Palm Coast, Florida: Opportunities, Salaries, and Community Life in a Coastal Paradise
When you think of Palm Coast, Florida, images of sun-kissed beaches, lush landscapes, and a welcoming community come to mind. Here in Palm Coast, we enjoy a vibrant lifestyle enriched by nature — from the Intracoastal Waterway to the stunning Atlantic coastline. The nursing job market in our charming city reflects this growth and vitality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for nurses in Florida stands at approximately $66,060, while national averages hover around $77,600. Here in Palm Coast, we're looking at an estimated average salary range for nurses between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, specialty, and facility. While our salary averages may seem a bit lower than the national figures, many of us find the quality of life here, with no state income tax and an abundance of outdoor activities, to be an appealing trade-off. Palm Coast's subtropical climate, famous local parks like Waterfront Park, and proximity to the historic city of St. Augustine, heighten its allure for both local and travel nurses.
The Palm Coast nursing job market is robust and steadily growing. Estimates suggest that, in the next 5 years, our city will require around 200 new nurses to meet the increasing healthcare demands of our aging population and the influx of new residents. Currently, about 1,500 nurses are employed in the area, serving critical roles in our local hospitals and clinics. The demand for travel nursing is particularly special here due to seasonal influxes, especially during winter months when many people flock to our sunny shores. Travel nursing jobs are plentiful, and we often see peaks in these positions from November through April, catering to the influx of visitors and snowbirds. Additionally, per diem nursing jobs provide flexible opportunities, with estimates indicating around 100 per diem registered nurse positions available locally. As we look beyond our borders to nearby cities like Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, we find a mixed bag of averages: Daytona Beach offers similar job opportunities with competitive salaries, averaging $63,000, while Ormond Beach leans slightly lower but remains a viable option for commuting nurses. We are proud of the healthcare facilities right here — Flagler Hospital, AdventHealth Palm Coast, and several specialized clinics — all contributing to a thriving ecosystem where nurses can find fulfillment and stability in their careers.
Our healthcare infrastructure continues to evolve, with Flagler Health+ planning a new outpatient facility to enhance our community's access to quality care. In total, there are approximately 5 major hospitals and a multitude of clinics within Palm Coast, which cater to various specialties such as cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics, providing many opportunities for nurses with differing interests. With a population of around 90,000 and forecasted growth, Palm Coast is a community poised for exciting developments, which will only increase demand for healthcare professionals. Notably, local public health initiatives, such as the Community Health Plan, aim to address public health priorities impacting nursing roles. As nursing professionals here, we understand the value of community, balance, and a rewarding career. If you're considering making Palm Coast your home or are already enjoying our scenic landscape, now is the perfect time to explore career opportunities. For job seekers, consider signing up with NurseRecruiter to find local job matches or for employers to connect with local talent. Together, we can foster a brighter future for healthcare in Palm Coast.
