Liberal, Kansas: A Growing Hub for Nursing Professionals Amidst a Flourishing Job Market and Community Spirit
Here in Liberal, Kansas, the nursing job market paints a vibrant picture, much like our local sunflower fields that stretch for miles. Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, we enjoy a close-knit community that values healthcare as a cornerstone of our vibrant lifestyle. With an average salary range for nurses in Liberal between $60,000 and $70,000 annually, we find ourselves slightly below the national mean of $77,600, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In terms of hourly wages, local nurses earn around $29.00 to $33.65, which compares to the Kansas state average of approximately $33.00 per hour. The low cost of living here, combined with our friendly neighborhoods and access to outdoor activities, makes Liberal a wonderful place for nursing professionals to call home.
Currently, our city is estimated to have around 250 registered nurses employed, with a projected increase in demand of about 15% over the next five years. This translates to around 40 new nursing positions opening up as we respond to our growing population, which now sits near 20,000. Additionally, we experience an increasing number of travel nurses and per diem nursing roles, particularly during the summer months when influxes from seasonal tourist activities around the attractions like the Mid-America Air Museum occur. As for healthcare infrastructure, Liberal is home to key employers like Southwest Medical Center and various clinics that ensure we have ample job opportunities. However, when I look at nearby cities such as Dodge City and Garden City, I see different dynamics at play – while Dodge boasts a larger healthcare system, it also has a higher cost of living, creating a contrast in both job opportunities and lifestyle.
In terms of our healthcare infrastructure, Liberal is proud to boast not just one but several healthcare facilities, including specialty clinics that focus on everything from family medicine to rehabilitation. Recently, there have been investments in expanding services and improving technology in local healthcare, reflecting the demand for modern nursing specialties. Our population growth, noted at about 1.5% annually, hints at a stable future which is likely to bring more healthcare opportunities alongside public health initiatives that promote wellness and prevention efforts in the community. With our picturesque parks, strong community spirit, and a growing healthcare landscape, Liberal, Kansas is setting the stage for continued growth and opportunity in nursing. If you’re interested in exploring local job matches, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to discover opportunities right here in our friendly town. Employers, too, can find local candidates by using NurseRecruiter to post job openings and connect with our skilled nurses.
