Des Moines Nursing Job Market Thrives: Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and a Community-Centric Lifestyle Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Des Moines, we take pride not only in our friendly communities and vibrant cultural landscapes but also in a burgeoning nursing job market that is as diverse as our city itself. On a sunny afternoon, the sounds of laughter from the Des Moines Art Center mingle with the hum of interstate traffic, marking our city as an appealing place for both life and work. For nursing professionals, the average salary for registered nurses ranges from approximately $60,000 to $70,000 annually, compared to the $77,600 national average and the $68,770 average for Iowa, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While we might not be the highest-paying region, Des Moines offers a lower cost of living and a welcoming work environment that balances our thriving professional landscape with a quality lifestyle.
As I dive into the details of our nursing job market, it’s encouraging to see positive trends. NurseRecruiter estimates that we’ll need around 1,100 new nurses in the next five years to meet the growing demand spurred by our steady population growth, projected at around 3.5% per year. With approximately 9,000 nurses working across our hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities, we find ourselves in a healthy position to accommodate the needs of our community. The anticipated demand for travel nurses, especially during peak seasons in hospitals focusing on urgent care during the winter months, contrasts notably with the calmer summer months of July and August. Per diem nursing jobs are also in demand, with many local institutions looking to fill shifts that accommodate flexible work schedules. Additionally, nearby cities such as West Des Moines and Ankeny feature healthcare markets that offer competitive salaries and opportunities, but the lifestyle and community-centric nature of Des Moines is unmatched.
Focusing on our healthcare infrastructure, Des Moines is home to several major players in the field, including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, which operate multiple facilities across our region, providing a range of specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent investments in expanding urgent care centers and mental health facilities further enrich our nursing landscape, ensuring that various nursing specialties are not only welcomed but needed. Life here is characterized by outdoor festivals, family-friendly parks like Gray’s Lake, and a strong sense of community embedded in our neighborhoods. Public health initiatives, including efforts to combat obesity and enhance maternal health care, play a significant role in shaping nursing responsibilities as we adapt to the growing needs of our residents. Overall, I feel proud to be part of a city where dedicated nursing professionals can thrive, and encourage my fellow nurses - whether local or considering a move here - to check out NurseRecruiter for job opportunities tailored to our dynamic and fulfilling nursing market. For employers, leveraging NurseRecruiter to connect with incredible local candidates is a prime opportunity to uplift our community's health sector and the dedicated individuals who serve within it.
