Saint Augustine: An Ideal Destination for Nursing Professionals Amid a Growing Job Market and Enriching Coastal Lifestyle
Saint Augustine, Florida, our charming coastal city steeped in history and rich with vibrant culture, offers a unique backdrop for nursing professionals. Known as the oldest city in the United States, its cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture tell tales of a time long past. For those of us in the nursing field, this historical allure belies a burgeoning job market. According to recent data, nurses in Saint Augustine earn an estimated average annual salary ranging between $58,000 to $75,000, which is competitive when compared to Florida’s average salary of approximately $63,000 and the national average of around $77,600. The allure of a picturesque lifestyle filled with stunning beaches, local festivals, and a warm community makes this city not just a lovely place to live, but an appealing environment for nursing professionals.
Diving deeper into the job market here, NurseRecruiter estimates that there is a growing demand for new nursing professionals in Saint Augustine, with about 100 new nurses required each year to meet healthcare needs stemming from a combination of an aging population and the growth of our healthcare facilities. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 nurses serving within our city—this number shows our strong nursing community amidst an expanding healthcare landscape. Saint Augustine is seeing an increase in travel nursing opportunities, particularly during our peak tourist seasons in spring and fall, when the influx of visitors necessitates temporary staffing boosts in local hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the prevalence of per diem nursing allows for versatile and flexible work options, meeting the demand from facilities that require supplemental staffing for daily shifts. Compared to nearby cities like Jacksonville and Palm Coast, Saint Augustine may have fewer nursing positions, but the quality of life and a close-knit community make it a unique place to call home for nursing professionals.
In our healthcare sector, Saint Augustine is served by a mix of facilities including Flagler Hospital, a key employer, which provides a variety of specialty care services that require skilled nursing staff. On the horizon, further investments in healthcare infrastructure—such as expansions in telehealth services and improved outpatient care facilities—signal ongoing development and opportunities for specialized nursing roles. The city has a diverse population estimated at around 15,000, which has been steadily growing, promising an evolving healthcare landscape to match the needs of its residents. Moreover, public health initiatives focusing on preventive care, wellness programs, and education within our schools enhance the overall community health and strengthen the role of nurses. For those of us here in Saint Augustine, the combination of a historically rich lifestyle, a nurturing community atmosphere, and a dynamic nursing market creates an enticing prospect, further highlighted by the opportunities available through NurseRecruiter for both job seekers and employers looking to connect with local talent.