Lakewood, NJ: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Professionals Amidst Growing Demand and Community Spirit
Here in Lakewood, New Jersey, nestled in the heart of Ocean County, we find ourselves in a unique confluence of community, culture, and a thriving healthcare landscape. Our city, with its vibrant population of approximately 138,000 residents, boasts a diverse nursing job market that presents great opportunities for both local nurses and travel nurses looking for rewarding placements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for registered nurses in New Jersey is around $88,850, translating to about $42.70 per hour. Locally, however, nurses in Lakewood earn an average annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $90,000, slightly below the state average but reflective of the city’s cost of living and the vibrant community surrounding us. With laid-back suburbs and rich cultural experiences, Lakewood offers a fulfilling lifestyle for those pursuing a nursing career.
The nursing job market here shows promising trends, with substantial demand expected over the next few years. As Baby Boomers age and healthcare needs escalate, NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need approximately 1,500 new nurses in the Lakewood area within the next five years. Currently, our local workforce comprises about 2,500 registered nurses, many of whom are employed at key facilities such as Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus and various outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers that dot our city. In comparison to nearby towns like Toms River and Brick, which also have similarly sized populations and healthcare facilities, Lakewood's nursing job market stands out, especially as we attract both travel and per diem nursing professionals seeking flexibility and diverse experiences. We see a consistent influx of travel nurses during the summer months when demand for healthcare services peaks, highlighting Lakewood’s appeal as a hotspot for healthcare professionals.
Addressing our healthcare infrastructure, Lakewood boasts a robust network of facilities that cater to a myriad of specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and chronic disease management. Notable developments in recent years—such as expansions at local healthcare systems—reflect a commitment to enhancing care delivery and diversifying nursing roles. With public health initiatives targeting obesity and chronic illness on the rise, nurses here play a critical role in community health efforts, further strengthening their positions within the healthcare landscape. Lakewood’s spirit is a captivating mix of residential comfort, community engagement, and professional opportunity, fostering a nurturing environment for nursing professionals. Whether you are a local nurse or contemplating travel nursing here, I invite you to explore nursing job opportunities through NurseRecruiter, where you can find relevant local positions and employers looking to engage with passionate healthcare professionals like us.
