Mountain Home, Idaho: A Growing Nursing Market Amidst Scenic Beauty and Community Spirit
Here in Mountain Home, Idaho, we are truly fortunate to live in a city that is as picturesque as it is vibrant. Nestled among the scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, our town has a small-town charm that is amplified by the warmth of its community. The nursing job market here is seeing promising growth, attracting dedicated professionals to our local healthcare facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Idaho earn an average hourly wage of around $33.77, with annual salaries averaging approximately $70,200. For those of us in Mountain Home, we can expect our nurses to make slightly less, with salary estimates ranging from $29 to $36 per hour, translating to about $60,000 to $75,000 annually. As we compare these figures to the national average for all RNs, which stands closer to $38.25 per hour, or roughly $79,000 annually, it’s clear that our city offers competitive compensation considering the cost of living. Beyond the numbers, our proximity to the scenic Outdoor Recreation Area, along with friendly local attractions, makes our city a great place to work and play.
The job market for nurses in Mountain Home is steadily expanding, driven by a growing population and an increasing demand for healthcare services. With an existing nurse workforce estimated at around 450 nurses, we anticipate that the city will need an additional 80 to 100 nurses over the next five years as healthcare facilities continue to expand their services. Travel nursing has picked up here, especially during the peak summer months when tourist traffic surges and healthcare facilities need additional staffing. NurseRecruiter estimates there are around 30 travel nursing jobs available seasonally in Mountain Home. In addition to full-time positions, there is a viable per diem nursing market here, with approximately 20 per diem opportunities available within various healthcare facilities, making it an excellent option for those seeking flexible work arrangements. Our local healthcare landscape is supported by Mountain Home Hospital, several urgent care clinics, and local specialty care providers, making it a favorable environment for nursing careers. When we compare our market to nearby cities like Caldwell and Nampa, we see a similar demand, though they may offer slightly higher salaries; however, the lifestyle difference and the tight-knit community feel in Mountain Home are hard to beat.
Our healthcare facilities in Mountain Home offer a range of specialties, including emergency care, pediatrics, and long-term care, ensuring diverse opportunities for nurses looking to specialize. There have been recent investments in healthcare infrastructure, with plans to expand Mountain Home's hospital and increase outpatient services, which will likely enhance the opportunities for local nurses. With a population of approximately 14,000 and a growth rate projected to rise in the next few years, our small city is becoming a hub of activity for both healthcare and community life. Public health initiatives, including wellness programs and vaccination drives, are flourishing, highlighting our commitment to maintaining community health. This is an exciting time to be a nurse here in Mountain Home, where we can enjoy the great outdoors, local events, and a friendly lifestyle while pursuing rewarding career opportunities. If you’re looking for nursing positions or if you are an employer seeking to post job vacancies, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where you can find relevant opportunities right here in our community.
