Sumner, Iowa: A Hidden Gem for Nurses with Competitive Salaries and Growing Job Opportunities in a Community-Focused Healthcare Landscape
Here in Sumner, Iowa, a small yet vibrant community nestled in the heart of the Midwest, our nursing job market reflects both the charm of rural living and the demand for quality healthcare professionals. The Sumner area's unique cultural fabric is woven together by local landmarks such as the historic downtown district and the picturesque parks. As a result of our demographics and community focus on health, the average salary range for nurses in Sumner stands between $25.56 and $32.72 per hour, translating to an annual salary between approximately $53,125 and $68,034. In comparison, the state of Iowa features a mean hourly wage of $29.80 and a national average of $37.94, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This contrast highlights our relatively competitive market within the state, especially given that we are just a stone's throw from larger cities, giving us a local yet accessible nursing landscape.
Analyzing the nursing job market in Sumner reveals a robust landscape with a projected increase in the number of job opportunities. Current estimates suggest that there are around 150 nurses working in the city, with projections showing a need for approximately 20 new nurses over the next few years due to retirement and increasing healthcare demands. Adjacent cities such as Waverly and Waterloo influence our market, with travel nurse demand marginal yet present, particularly during peak summer months when our healthcare facilities experience a surge in needs due to seasonal tourism activities. We have several healthcare facilities here, including the Sumner Community Hospital and local clinics, that provide solid employment opportunities for nurses. Comparatively, nearby cities such as Cedar Falls and Decorah offer higher salary ranges—averaging around $32 to $38 per hour—demonstrating how the job market varies even within a short commuting distance. It's worth noting that while Sumner faces competition from these cities, we also enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere that larger urban areas simply cannot replicate.
Our local healthcare infrastructure is marked by not only solid facilities but also ongoing investment in community health initiatives. With over ten healthcare facilities in and around Sumner, including local clinics and specialized care units, nurses here can find diverse opportunities, particularly in family health, pediatrics, and geriatric care. In recent years, there have been initiatives to expand and enhance healthcare offerings, advocating for public health programs that address needs ranging from chronic disease management to mental health services. Our population of approximately 2,000 residents is projected to remain stable in the coming years, creating a steady demand for healthcare services. Sumner's unique blend of a supportive lifestyle, community engagement, and dependable job opportunities in nursing makes it a remarkable place for both local and incoming nursing professionals. I encourage my fellow nurses to consider signing up with NurseRecruiter to explore job matches tailored to our city's unique offerings, while employers here in Sumner can utilize this platform to connect with local nursing candidates ready to contribute to our community’s health.
