Montana's Nursing Job Market: A Land of Opportunity, Competitive Salaries, and Growing Demand for Healthcare Professionals
Here in Montana, we have an extraordinary landscape of mountains, forests, and wide-open spaces that reflect the spirit of our nursing job market. It’s a state where the deep-seated tradition of caring for others resonates throughout our communities—we’re known for our warmth and our commitment to health as a way of life. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual salary for registered nurses in Montana was approximately $64,640, equating to an hourly wage of around $31.05, while the national average stands at about $77,600 per year, or $37.31 per hour. While we have competitive pay, it’s notable that with specialist roles and experience, salaries can range significantly in the upper echelons—top earners here can make over $90,000 annually, especially in metropolitan areas. With approximately 19,176 registered nurses currently employed in the state, there’s a sense of camaraderie and a common purpose driving our nursing professionals every day.
Montana’s nursing job market is not only robust but also ripe with opportunities. In recent years, we have seen a healthy demand for nurses across various disciplines, particularly in rural healthcare settings. Projections indicate that in the next five years, Montana will need an additional 4,200 registered nurses to meet the rising healthcare needs of our growing population, particularly in geriatric care and mental health. Travel nursing has become increasingly popular, particularly during the summer months as tourists flock to our stunning national parks, such as Glacier and Yellowstone. We also recognize about 1,200 travel nursing positions in the state during peak seasons, catering to the influx of patients and healthcare needs that arise with tourism. Additionally, our bustling per diem nursing job market reflects over 1,000 opportunities, allowing nurses flexibility to work on-demand across various healthcare facilities. With more than 60 hospitals and numerous clinics, including notable employers like Billings Clinic and Benefis Health System, our healthcare infrastructure is truly a beacon of opportunity.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that healthcare investments are paving the way for enhanced facilities and technologies that strengthen our workforce and the overall health landscape. Montana’s unique lifestyle combines an appreciation for the great outdoors with a strong sense of community, from our small towns that host annual events to our larger cities like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman, each echoing vibrant local culture and attractions. With a population of over 1.1 million and growth projected to remain steady, initiatives to bolster health outreach and education are continually shaping the future for nursing here. Public health efforts, particularly those promoting rural health access, further underscore the importance of nurses in Montana's health ecosystem. As we embrace the evolving nursing job market, I encourage my fellow nursing professionals to explore opportunities through NurseRecruiter, where we can connect local candidates with employers dedicated to nurturing our communities. Montana is more than a place to work—it's where we come together to heal and build a healthier tomorrow.
