Ankeny, Iowa's Booming Nursing Job Market: Opportunities, Salaries, and Community Impact in a Growing Midwest Hub
Here in Ankeny, Iowa, our nursing job market offers an intriguing blend of opportunities that reflect both our community's growth and the broader medical landscape of the Midwest. Nestled just north of Des Moines, we are a part of one of the fastest-growing areas in Iowa, known for its vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. For nurses considering a move to Ankeny or even those already working here, it's essential to note that the average nurse's salary in our city hovers around $30.75 per hour, translating to roughly $63,690 annually. When we compare this to the national mean hourly wage for nurses at $40.16 and a national annual mean of $83,470, it’s evident that while we might be on the lower spectrum, Ankeny offers a cost of living that makes these salaries quite feasible. Not to mention, we’re often in juxtaposition with Des Moines, where the job market is more saturated, but the competition might be fiercer.
As we dive deeper into the job market analysis, Ankeny’s nursing landscape looks promising. According to recent statistics, the state of Iowa is experiencing a shortfall of nurses, with projections suggesting that around 3,000 new nurses will be needed in the next five years to meet healthcare demands. Considering Ankeny’s population of about 68,000, we can surmise that our community boasts a current nursing workforce of approximately 1,500 registered nurses. The demand for travel nursing is steadily rising here, especially during the peak flu season from late fall to early spring, joining a broader trend observed throughout the Midwest. Additionally, the per diem nursing market is steadily growing as healthcare facilities here, including major employers like the UnityPoint Clinic and the numerous local hospitals, value the flexibility offered by these nurses. As we look to nearby cities like Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Johnston, we find that while salaries may be marginally higher—averaging about $32 to $34 per hour—the quality of life and community-centric culture in Ankeny continues to be an attractive feature for many nurses.
The healthcare infrastructure in Ankeny is robust, supported by multiple healthcare facilities including the Ankeny Medical Park and various specialty clinics catering to everything from pediatrics to cardiology. Recent investments in local hospitals and health initiatives are indicative of our city's commitment to strengthening our healthcare system. Ankeny’s population growth, projected to increase by 10% over the next five years, underscores the demand for nursing roles to cater to a burgeoning community. There are also noteworthy public health programs in our area addressing chronic diseases and preventative care, which further expand the scope of nursing duties. What we have here is not just a job market—they represent an opportunity to become integral members of a community that values compassion and healthcare. For those looking to explore these opportunities, signing up for NurseRecruiter can be a pivotal step in finding local job matches tailored to your preferences. Employers, too, can utilize NurseRecruiter to connect with our talented pool of nursing professionals. Together, we can continue to build a healthcare landscape that not only meets today’s demands but is prepared for future challenges.
