Discover Omaha's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Growing Opportunities, and a Welcoming Community
Here in Omaha, Nebraska, we are proud of our vibrant community and the opportunities it offers within the nursing job market. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Omaha is known for its rich history, strong Midwestern values, and a sense of community that welcomes newcomers. The local nursing profession reflects this. As of the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, registered nurses (RNs) in Nebraska earn an average salary of approximately $29.67 per hour, translating to an annual wage of around $61,760. Here in Omaha, the average salary for nurses tends to hover between $28.00 and $34.00 per hour, depending on specific roles and experience, which is quite competitive when compared to the national average of $37.70 hourly and $78,300 annually. Notably, Omaha's cultural and geographical position makes it a hub for healthcare services, with landmarks like the Omaha Community Playhouse and the Henry Doorly Zoo alongside notable healthcare facilities such as Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health.
Diving deeper into the job market, Omaha's nursing landscape remains robust, with an expected growth trend driven by the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for nurses in Nebraska will increase by about 11% over the next decade, equating to approximately 1,600 new nursing positions across the state, translating to an estimated 400 new positions in Omaha alone in just the next few years. Currently, we have around 13,000 active nurses in the Omaha metropolitan area, serving a diverse and growing population of around 500,000. Omaha is an excellent location for travel nursing, with an estimated 450 travel nursing positions available throughout the year, although we do see a spike during winter months when seasonal flu cases surge. Additionally, the per diem nursing market in Omaha is thriving, with an estimated 600 available per diem nursing roles at any given time, providing flexibility for those looking for extra work or more control over their schedules. Compared to nearby cities like Lincoln and Council Bluffs, Omaha offers a broader array of job opportunities and slightly higher salary ranges, largely due to its larger healthcare infrastructure.
In terms of healthcare facilities, Omaha boasts several major hospitals and clinics, including the renowned Nebraska Medicine, Methodist Hospital, and Bergan Mercy Medical Center, among others, specialized in areas such as trauma care, pediatrics, and oncology. Recent investments in healthcare infrastructure, like the expansion of the Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the addition of high-tech facilities, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing our healthcare offerings and meeting the needs of our growing community. The friendly demeanor of Omaha residents alongside our burgeoning arts scene, vibrant food culture, and sense of community creates a unique lifestyle that is appealing to nurses of all backgrounds. As our city continues to grow, so does our commitment to public health initiatives, such as campaigns focusing on wellness, mental health awareness, and preventative care programs, all feeding into the integral role nurses play in our community’s health. For current and prospective nurses, now is an exciting time to join our ranks here in Omaha. I encourage you to explore local opportunities further; please sign up at NurseRecruiter to find job matches that suit your skillset and lifestyle. Employers can also use NurseRecruiter to post jobs and connect with our local talent pool.
