Springfield, Missouri: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Professionals with Growing Job Opportunities and Competitive Salaries
Here in Springfield, Missouri, we are blessed with a vibrant community that pulses with life and opportunities. Nestled within the Ozark Mountains, our city boasts a unique charm with its rich history, friendly neighborhoods, and access to beautiful outdoor spaces. For nursing professionals, Springfield not only offers picturesque parks and a welcoming atmosphere but also a promising nursing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Missouri is approximately $69,600, and in Springfield, we see salaries ranging between $60,000 to $75,000 depending on experience and specialty. Comparatively, the national average for nurses is around $79,000, which positions us favorably within the state but highlights some gaps against national expectations. Furthermore, Springfield is in proximity to urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City, which can influence salary scales and job offers as regional demand for healthcare professionals swells.
Diving deeper into the market, NurseRecruiter estimates that Springfield will require an influx of new nurses in the coming years, with projected needs indicating that around 300 new nursing professionals will be necessary to meet the growth within our healthcare infrastructure. Currently, the city has approximately 7,000 nurses employed, and as Springfield continues to grow—with a current population of about 171,000—our healthcare facilities are also on the rise, spurring a demand for travel and per diem positions. While we don't rank among the hotspots for travel nursing, our local healthcare scene is buoyed by institutions such as Mercy Hospital, CoxHealth, and numerous outpatient clinics which provide significant employment opportunities. In neighboring cities like Joplin and Ozark, the average salary for nurses is slightly lower, making our city an attractive proposition for both local and commuting nurses. If you're considering a nursing career or relocation here, you'll find that Springfield's job market thrives, providing ample chances for professional growth.
As for healthcare infrastructure, Springfield is home to a variety of facilities equipped to address diverse patient needs. With more than five major hospitals, including Cox Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Springfield, we also have specialized clinics catering to family health, pediatrics, and rehabilitation services. The city is witnessing ongoing investments in healthcare technology and facility expansions, forecasting continued demand for nursing specialties such as emergency and surgical nursing. Beyond the professional scope, Springfield encapsulates an engaging lifestyle with its burgeoning arts scene, local dining spots, and vibrant festivals—adding to our community's appeal. Coupled with strategic public health initiatives aimed at improving accessibility to healthcare, the nursing workforce can anticipate dynamic changes ahead. If you’re a local nurse or considering joining our community, be sure to sign up for NurseRecruiter to explore job opportunities, or if you’re an employer, consider utilizing NurseRecruiter to find the perfect local candidates for your healthcare needs.
