New Hampshire's Nursing Job Market Thrives Amid Growing Demand: Competitive Salaries, Flexible Opportunities, and a Unique Lifestyle Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in New Hampshire, the nursing job market is as vibrant as the fall foliage that graces our landscapes. With its picturesque towns nestled against a backdrop of mountains and lakes, New Hampshire attracts both residents and travelers alike. Nurses in our state earn a competitive wage, with the mean annual salary for registered nurses resting at approximately $75,610, translating to around $36.36 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In contrast, the national averages stand at $77,600 annually and $37.31 hourly. While our salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, our unique lifestyle—rooted in outdoor adventures, quaint communities, and rich history—offers an attractive alternative for many healthcare professionals. The state boasts an active healthcare environment, with a growing population of around 1.4 million that demands quality healthcare services, creating ample opportunities for nurses who choose to make their home here.
Analyzing the job market, we find nearly 22,300 registered nurses currently employed in New Hampshire. We anticipate a continued increase in demand, with a projected need for about 4,000 additional nurses over the next five years, a trend consistent with many regions across the country. Travel nursing has become a viable option for many in our state, especially during peak flu season or during busy summer months when tourism swells and hospitals seek temporary support. Estimates suggest a steady demand for travel nurses will prevail, as healthcare facilities in the state—like Catholic Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and Elliot Hospital—look to fill staffing gaps. Per diem nursing also holds a significant place in our market, with many healthcare establishments relying on flexible staffing to manage patient care. We stand at the forefront of a growing national nursing job market, which not only reflects competitive salaries but also diverse job opportunities across various healthcare systems, distinguishing our state from neighboring Massachusetts and Maine.
As we look at the healthcare infrastructure in New Hampshire, we are proud of our state’s more than 26 hospitals and countless outpatient facilities that specialize in various medical disciplines, ranging from critical care to mental health. Recent investments in telehealth technology and community health initiatives reflect an evolving landscape aiming to improve healthcare delivery and access for our citizens. The state has seen a population growth rate of approximately 0.5% annually, projected to drive further healthcare expansion. We share a strong sense of community here—our lifestyle is steeped in local engagement, outdoor explorations, and historical admiration. Public health initiatives, such as our robust vaccination programs and mental health awareness campaigns, highlight the critical roles nurses play in leading those efforts. By signing up with NurseRecruiter, both nurses and employers can connect seamlessly, opening pathways to fulfilling careers in our beautiful state or discovering emerging job opportunities nearby. Whether you’re already with us or considering a move, New Hampshire’s nursing job market presents an array of possibilities that reflect the heart and soul of our communities.
