Ankeny, Iowa: A Growing Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries, Expanding Opportunities, and a Family-Friendly Community
Here in Ankeny, Iowa, a vibrant suburb nestled just north of Des Moines, our nursing job market is a dynamic reflection of the community's growth and rising healthcare needs. With an average salary range for registered nurses between $27.01 and $38.52 per hour, translating to annual salaries from about $56,199 to $80,187, we're fortunate to sit above the national averages where registered nurses earn around $34.48 per hour and $71,730 annually. Ankeny’s charm is amplified by its family-friendly atmosphere, plenty of parks, and easy access to Des Moines' cultural vibrancy, which contributes to attracting a solid healthcare workforce to our city. As we continue to grow, the competitive salary reflects not only the local cost of living but also our desirability as a place to live and work, setting us apart from nearby rivals like West Des Moines, which often features more established healthcare facilities but doesn’t quite match our community spirit.
In assessing our local nursing job market, we are observing robust growth. NurseRecruiter estimates that over the next five years, there will be a demand for approximately 150 new nurses as our population is projected to grow by 16% by 2026, rising from about 67,500 residents today. Currently, the estimated number of active nurses in Ankeny is around 500. The demand for travel nursing is increasing, particularly during the winter flu season and summer health camps, where higher patient volumes can be expected. In contrast to cities like Ames and Des Moines, where travel nursing options may be more abundant, Ankeny is becoming a hotspot for per diem nursing roles, with estimates of about 200 positions available at any given time. Our healthcare landscape is solid, featuring notable employers like UnityPoint Health, which encompasses clinics and hospitals in the area, affording our nursing professionals a variety of employment opportunities.
As for the healthcare infrastructure, Ankeny boasts several hospitals and specialty clinics that cater to diverse healthcare needs, including MercyOne Ankeny Medical Center and several urgent care facilities. We are witnessing ongoing investments in our healthcare services, with expansions planned for existing hospitals and the establishment of new outpatient clinics. This growth is indicative of our thriving community, with a current population of approximately 67,500 and an expected increase that will drive demand for more nursing professionals across various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and emergency care. Local public health initiatives, such as vaccination drives and health screenings, play a crucial role in shaping the nursing roles here, enhancing our nurses' influence in community well-being. There’s a vibrancy to Ankeny that blends daily life with professional growth, and as our healthcare landscape expands, it offers a supportive environment for current and prospective nurses alike. If you’re looking for a place to build your nursing career, I encourage you to check out opportunities on NurseRecruiter. Employers in our area can also find great local candidates through this platform, so we have something for everyone in our thriving nursing community.
