Discover Sioux City: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Professionals Amidst a Rich Cultural Landscape and Growing Job Market
Here in Sioux City, Iowa, we live in a vibrant city nestled at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, rich in cultural history and a small-town feel, yet with the amenities of a larger metropolis. Our city boasts a nursing job market that reflects its growth and community-oriented spirit. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for nurses in Iowa hovers around $32.76, while the national average stands at approximately $41.34. In Sioux City, we can expect a nursing salary range between $29.00 and $34.00 per hour, translating to an annual salary between $60,000 and $70,720, which provides some competitive benefits when juxtaposing our costs of living against larger cities like Omaha, Nebraska to the south and Sioux Falls, South Dakota to the north. Here, our daily lives revolve around our close-knit community, with a fantastic local arts scene, noteworthy landmarks such as the Sioux City Public Museum, and lush parks that promote an active lifestyle—qualities that make nursing in Sioux City a fulfilling career choice.
The current nursing job market in Sioux City is robust, with an increasing demand due to population growth and an aging demographic. In the next five years, NurseRecruiter estimates that our city may see a need for around 250 new nurses, which represents a significant percentage of our current workforce of about 1,200 registered nurses. Sioux City is home to several major healthcare facilities, including UnityPoint Health and MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, both of which are essential employers within our nursing community. The demand for travel nursing has been steadily growing here, especially during peak seasons such as summer and flu season, with approximately 50 travel nursing assignments available at any given time. Meanwhile, per diem opportunities offer even more flexibility, with estimates suggesting around 75 per diem nursing jobs currently available in the area. In contrast to nearby cities like Dakota Dunes and Le Mars, Sioux City offers more job opportunities and generally higher pay, making it an attractive choice for nursing professionals, especially when looking further afield from rivals like Omaha or Des Moines.
Sioux City's healthcare infrastructure holds a solid footing, with multiple hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities catering to a diverse range of specialties. Nurses are particularly in demand in areas like geriatrics, critical care, and pediatric nursing, providing ample opportunities for specialization. Recent developments, such as the expansion of UnityPoint Health’s facilities, signal a continued investment in our local healthcare landscape, bolstering the overall job market. As our city grows—currently projected to reach a population of over 82,500 by 2025—so too does the need for dedicated nursing professionals to serve our community. Local public health initiatives like the Siouxland Health and Wellness Coalition further enrich the nursing profession, impacting roles through enhanced preventive care programs. As someone who calls this city home, I see firsthand how our cultural richness and community spirit can complement a fulfilling nursing career. For those interested in joining our nursing workforce, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where employers can also post job openings and find qualified local candidates. In Sioux City, we have much to offer both current and prospective nurses—come join us!
