Idaho's Nursing Job Market: A Thriving Opportunity Amid Scenic Beauty and Competitive Salaries
Here in Idaho, we’re fortunate to enjoy stunning landscapes, a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, and a dynamic nursing job market that caters to both seasoned professionals and travel nurses alike. As of my last count, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Idaho stands at approximately $70,240, translating to an hourly wage of around $33.69. In contrast, the national average rests a bit higher, with registered nurses raking in about $83,160 per year or $39.97 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap reflects Idaho's unique geographical and cultural landscape, where job opportunities thrive amid the scenic beauty of our state, from the mountains of McCall to the thriving city of Boise. Notably, while the cost of living is lower than in neighboring states like Washington, this enhances our quality of life, making Idaho a haven for both work and play.
Analyzing the current nursing job market in Idaho reveals a promising landscape. With over 23,000 registered nurses employed across the state, growth is expected as healthcare demands continue. The American Nurses Association predicts that in the next five years, the state will need around 2,000 new nurses to fill various roles due to an aging population and an increasing focus on public health initiatives. While Idaho might not be the first state that comes to mind for travel nursing, there are approximately 600 travel nursing opportunities available when demand peaks during the summer and holiday seasons. Per diem nursing jobs are also increasingly popular, contributing significantly to the flexibility within our industry, with numbers around 3,500 available statewide. We have a plethora of healthcare facilities, including notable employers like St. Luke's Health System, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, and other essential healthcare providers spread across our six major cities, including Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Pocatello. Compared to the national market, Idaho offers a unique blend of job stability and lifestyle appeal, which allows nurses to build fulfilling careers without sacrificing their love for the great outdoors.
The healthcare infrastructure in Idaho is rapidly evolving, with a mixture of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized facilities tailored to cater to varying patient needs. As of now, we have around 50 hospitals and an increasing number of healthcare facilities vying for skilled nursing professionals. Investment in healthcare is strong, with both public and private initiatives focusing on expanding critical care and specialized services to meet population growth in our cities, like the robust health programs in Boise aimed at addressing chronic health issues. Our community values health, as seen in public health initiatives targeting rural healthcare access and mental health awareness—factors that will only heighten the demand for nursing roles. Idaho’s charm lies in its unique blend of small-town livability and urban opportunities, set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Our current population is over 1.8 million, expected to rise steadily by about 1.6% annually. As a native, I’m thrilled to watch our state flourish while offering appealing career prospects for nurses skilled in various specialties. If you’re exploring nursing opportunities, I encourage you to sign up on NurseRecruiter to discover local job matches here in Idaho while employers can conveniently seek local candidates through this platform. Together, we can continue to strengthen our healthcare community, making Idaho an even better place to live and work.
