Fort Leonard Wood: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Anchored by Community Growth and Competitive Salaries Amid Stunning Natural Beauty
Here in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the nursing job market is as dynamic as the natural beauty surrounding us. Nestled between the Ozark Highlands and some stunning lakes, this military town is more than just a training facility for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps; it’s a thriving community with a growing demand for nursing professionals. Currently, the average hourly wage for registered nurses in our region sits between $30.25 and $36.65, translating to an annual salary range of approximately $62,950 to $76,170. Comparatively, the national mean salary for RNs is around $37.80 per hour, or roughly $78,700 annually, while our home state of Missouri shows averages ranging from $31.50 to $37.50 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Fort Leonard Wood’s unique position as a military hub influences these numbers, offering base-specific opportunities and typical benefits that lend itself to a distinctive lifestyle, alongside local landmarks like the scenic Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the historic Route 66.
Diving deeper into the job market, the current trends paint a promising future for nursing in Fort Leonard Wood. Over the next five years, we can expect a surge in demand for nursing professionals, as estimates suggest that about 1,200 new nurses will be needed to meet the needs of our growing population, which currently stands at around 30,000. This translates into an approximate 4% increase in our current nursing workforce of about 3,500 registered nurses. Moreover, travel nursing opportunities are quite advantageous here, particularly during peak seasons in the summer, coinciding with the influx of military recruits and family members stationed at the base. Current estimates indicate that around 150 travel nurses seek positions in our area, bolstered by nearby cities like Rolla and Lebanon, where hospitals such as Phelps Health and Mercy Clinic cater to similar demands yet have slightly lower salary ranges. Nearby cities contribute to a competitive landscape, with national rival St. Louis offering salaries closer to $39.50 per hour, showcasing the contrast in lifestyle and job opportunities as we live in a quieter, less urbanized environment.
As we reflect on Fort Leonard Wood’s vibrant healthcare infrastructure and our role within it, we observe a host of healthcare facilities—ranging from the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital to several outpatient clinics spread throughout the area. With ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure, including recent expansions in telehealth services and outpatient facilities, our community is evolving quickly; this demands nursing specialties in urgent care, mental health, and pediatrics. Our population growth rate is projected to hold steady at around 1.2% in the coming years, bolstered by new families and military personnel. At the community level, initiatives targeting mental health awareness and family well-being have created additional avenues for nursing roles. It’s this blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and career opportunity that makes Fort Leonard Wood a remarkable place for nursing professionals to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a newcomer seeking opportunities, consider signing up to NurseRecruiter to find tailored job matches—our employers are actively looking for local talent, and you could land your next rewarding role right here in our beloved city.
