Omaha's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Diverse Opportunities, and a Vibrant Community Awaits Healthcare Professionals
Here in Omaha, Nebraska, the landscape is both vibrant and welcoming, characterized by flourishing arts, rich history, and a dynamic healthcare scene that keeps our community thriving. The nursing job market has remained robust, reflecting the high demand for skilled healthcare professionals within our city. As of now, the average salary for nurses in Omaha hovers between $30.00 to $40.00 per hour, amounting to about $62,000 to $83,000 annually. This is quite competitive when stacked against the national average of approximately $35.36 hourly ($73,000 yearly) and the Nebraska state average of $31.30 per hour ($65,000 annually) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Omaha’s rich cultural backdrop includes stunning landmarks such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Old Market district, and the scenic Omaha Riverfront, making it not just a great place to work but a delightful place to live.
Examining the broader nursing job market, Omaha is witnessing a significant surge in nursing demand, with a projection estimating we will need about 1,200 new nurses in the next five years due to a combination of retirements and the omnipresent demand for healthcare services. Currently, our city hosts an estimated 12,000 nurses, which aligns with the overall demand as we expand our healthcare facilities; we have over 10 major hospitals including CHI Health and Nebraska Medicine, along with numerous clinics spread across the area. In terms of travel nursing opportunities, Omaha is increasingly becoming a hotspot, particularly during the summer months when patient care needs spike, offering numerous travel positions that cater to temporary staffing shortages. Per diem nursing jobs are also thriving, with many local facilities leveraging this flexible workforce. When comparing Omaha to nearby cities such as Lincoln or Council Bluffs, we enjoy both a wider variety of job opportunities as well as competitive salaries, rendering us a favorable choice for nurses considering both local and travel nursing positions.
Omaha’s healthcare infrastructure is continuously evolving. With both established hospitals and community clinics, our city supports numerous nursing specialties ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent investments in healthcare technology and expanded facilities—like the new UNMC facility—promise to further bolster our nursing job market. According to the latest census, Omaha boasts a population of approximately 500,000, with expected growth projected at around 3% per year, enhancing the need for continual public health initiatives and well-trained nursing professionals. The lifestyle here is complemented by a tight-knit community and an array of cultural events, such as Omaha's Jazz and Blues Festival, which perfectly marries work-life balance for nursing professionals. As you consider your career path, know that each day, the implications of our work in healthcare reflect the values of our community, and I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore our abundant job opportunities—whether you're a current nurse looking for a change or a newcomer eager to be a part of our Omaha healthcare family. Employers, too, can benefit from using NurseRecruiter to find the right local candidates in this vibrant and growing market.
