Mount Vernon, Illinois: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Awaits with Competitive Salaries and Growing Opportunities Amidst Scenic Small-Town Charm
Here in Mount Vernon, Illinois, nestled between the rolling landscape of southern Illinois, our nursing job market is seeing robust growth that mirrors the scenic beauty of our hometown. With a population of approximately 15,180, we have a tight-knit community that prides itself on our welcoming spirit, quaint downtown area filled with boutiques and coffee shops, and the picturesque Veterans Memorial Park. Nurses in our city typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $25.50 to $32.75, translating to annual salaries of approximately $53,040 to $68,160, which is quite competitive when compared to the state average of around $67,000. While nationally, nurses might earn between $60,000 to $110,000, our area offers a blend of small-town charm coupled with accessible, yet diverse, healthcare opportunities that are becoming increasingly lucrative. As we contrast Mount Vernon with nearby rival cities like Centralia and Salem, Mount Vernon holds a unique position—offering both competitive salaries and a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for nursing professionals.
The job market here has shown a promising trajectory. With an anticipated growth of about 7% for nursing positions in the next five years, Mount Vernon will likely require an additional 150 to 200 nurses to meet our healthcare demands. Currently, the city employs around 800 nurses across various facilities, including the well-known SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital and several clinics and private practices. What stands out is the significant demand for travel nursing positions, especially during peak seasons such as summer and early fall, when our local healthcare facilities see an influx of patients. The per diem nursing market is also thriving here, providing flexibility for those looking to work on their own terms. When we consider our neighboring communities, such as Centralia with its lesser job opportunities, Mount Vernon emerges as an exemplary place for both seasoned and new nurses to thrive while maintaining work-life balance.
Our healthcare infrastructure is solid, featuring comprehensive services at facilities like Good Samaritan Hospital, which specializes in a range of critical and elective care. With ongoing investments in telehealth and outpatient services, there’s a clear commitment to enhance healthcare delivery in our town. The medium wage may be lower here compared to larger metropolitan cities, but our sense of community makes Mount Vernon an enticing locale for nursing professionals. Public health initiatives, such as the local health department’s focus on preventive care and wellness programs, further highlight our commitment to improving community health outcomes. In addition to our nurturing environment, we enjoy easy access to hiking trails at the nearby Shawnee National Forest, which enriches our overall lifestyle. To my fellow nursing professionals searching for opportunities, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore job openings that fit your skills right here in Mount Vernon. And for employers, this platform is an effective way to connect with committed candidates from our community.
