Nestled along the Missouri River and just across from Omaha, Nebraska, Council Bluffs, Iowa, is a city shaped by its rich history and robust community spirit. As a local nursing professional, I can tell you that the nursing job market here is thriving and offers a multitude of opportunities. The average salary range for registered nurses in Council Bluffs is approximately $26.00 to $34.00 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $54,080 to $70,720. When we contrast this with the state average, where RNs earn between $25.22 and $36.18 per hour, the Council Bluffs market holds its own. Nationally, BLS data reports a mean hourly wage for nurses at around $37.31, which highlights our competitive salaries when considering cost of living adjustments. The tapestry of our city's culture is enriched by landmarks like the historic Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the scenic Lake Manawa State Park, making it not just a place to work, but a wonderful home for nursing professionals.

The nursing job market in Council Bluffs is characterized by a healthy demand for nurses, particularly in light of projected growth trends. NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need approximately 200 new nurses in the next 3-5 years due to an increase in healthcare needs and an aging population, which currently consists of an estimated workforce of about 1,200 registered nurses in the city. Additionally, our city benefits from a number of healthcare facilities, including the locally respected CHI Health Mercy Hospital. Travel nursing is also a burgeoning sector here, especially during peak seasons like summer when health facility needs escalate due to increased patient volumes. Compared to neighboring Omaha, which boasts a larger healthcare system with a greater variety of specialty jobs, Council Bluffs offers a more intimate and community-focused environment. Nearby cities such as Papillion and Bellevue present nursing opportunities that often emerge from their proximity to Omaha, yet Council Bluffs retains a unique charm with less competition and a strong sense of community in healthcare.

As we look at the healthcare infrastructure in Council Bluffs, we can clearly see a commitment to expanding services to meet the needs of our population of around 62,000 residents. Our city houses several major hospitals and specialty clinics focusing on areas like geriatrics and pediatrics, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in these fields. Recent investments have been made in community health initiatives that support preventive care, which provides additional avenues for nursing roles—something that is crucial as our population continues to evolve. With a rich cultural backdrop and easy access to recreational activities, like visits to the historic Lewis and Clark Monument and the annual Council Bluffs Music and Arts Festival, living in this city is truly a delightful experience. Whether you're a current nurse or considering a move to this vibrant city, I encourage you to explore the job market here. Sign up with NurseRecruiter to discover the best local job matches, and if you’re an employer, utilize the platform to post job openings and connect with dedicated nursing professionals ready to serve our community.