Des Moines Nursing Job Market Thrives: Competitive Salaries, Promising Growth, and a Community-Centric Healthcare Landscape Await Professionals
Here in Des Moines, Iowa, the vibrant nursing job market mirrors the city's dynamic spirit and community-focused approach to healthcare. With an average annual salary for registered nurses estimated between $63,450 and $73,170, Des Moines offers competitive earnings compared to the national average, which, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, stands at $77,600. The city is home to numerous landmarks, including the beautiful State Capitol and the renowned Blank Park Zoo, which not only inject a sense of local pride but also signify our commitment to community welfare and health. Compared to its rival cities within the Midwest, such as Omaha and Kansas City, Des Moines provides a unique blend of stable employment opportunities and a lower cost of living, allowing nurses to thrive both professionally and personally in a friendly, community-orientated atmosphere.
The current state of the nursing job market here shows promising growth trends, with NurseRecruiter estimating a need for around 1,000 new nursing positions over the next five years to meet population health demands. With approximately 8,500 nurses currently employed in the city, Des Moines boasts a solid healthcare workforce powered by major employers like MercyOne and UnityPoint Health. Additionally, travel nursing opportunities expand in the warmer summer months when patient volume peaks, but our city maintains a steady demand year-round due to the ever-growing healthcare needs of our diverse population. For perspective, neighboring cities like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale also show similar salary ranges but often with slightly lower staffing demands due to their smaller populations. In contrast, larger cities like Omaha present a broader array of job opportunities but with a higher cost of living that may affect overall quality of life for nurses relocating there.
With healthcare infrastructure continuously improving, Des Moines boasts a variety of facilities, ranging from specialty clinics focusing on innovative approaches to care to major hospitals known for their comprehensive services and specialty units. The city is witnessing investments in healthcare technology and hospital expansions that are expected to create even more nursing jobs. As our population steadily grows—over 215,000 residents with projections suggesting continued increases—healthcare initiatives focusing on mental health and chronic disease management mean that nursing roles will continue to expand. Community engagement through public health programs plays a vital role in enhancing our local lifestyle, nurturing strong connections among residents, and improving health outcomes overall. For those of us within the nursing community, the future looks bright in Des Moines. Whether you're currently employed or on the lookout for exciting opportunities, I encourage you to explore what NurseRecruiter can offer to enhance your career prospects in our thriving city, while employers can discover how to find local talent through NurseRecruiter as well.
