Mountainside: A Vibrant Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Quality Community Living in Northern New Jersey
Nestled in the picturesque hills of northern New Jersey, Mountainside is a gem of a town that combines small-town charm with access to vibrant city life, being just a stone's throw from Newark and New York City. Here in Mountainside, we not only enjoy breathtaking views and ample green spaces, but we also take pride in our robust nursing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in New Jersey earn a mean annual salary of about $81,670, translating to around $39.23 per hour. For our local area, the estimates for nursing salaries generally range from $75,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and specialization. The influence of major cities like Newark and New York can be seen in our competitive wages, along with the rich cultural offerings that enhance our lifestyle, from local theaters to fine dining. While Mountainside certainly has its unique character, we also have regional rivals like Westfield and Scotch Plains, which are known for their high quality of life but may not offer the same nursing opportunities.
Our nursing job market is both vibrant and evolving, reflecting broader trends in healthcare demands. With a local population of just over 6,600, Mountainside is home to approximately 360 employed nurses, many of whom work at our local hospitals and clinics, such as the nearby Overlook Medical Center and lesser-known specialized healthcare facilities. Given the current trajectory, NurseRecruiter estimates that there will be a demand for about 150 new nursing roles in the next three to five years to keep pace with retirements and an aging population that requires increasingly sophisticated healthcare services. We are also seeing a growth in travel nursing opportunities, especially during peak seasons such as summer and flu season, with an estimated 20 travel nursing positions available, leveraging our proximity to larger metropolitan areas. The per diem nursing market is especially strong here, catering to healthcare facilities' need for flexible staffing solutions. In contrast to nearby towns like Cranford and Linden, where salaries can be slightly lower—averaging around $75,000—Mountainside offers both compensation and quality of life that attract both local and traveling nurses alike.
The healthcare infrastructure in Mountainside is nothing short of commendable, with a variety of facilities ranging from general hospitals to specialized clinics that cater to niche practices such as pediatrics and gerontology. Recent investments in telehealth initiatives and enhancements to local healthcare facilities are paving the way for innovative approaches to patient care. Our community thrives on quality, considering that Mountainside’s population has seen interest grow, with projections suggesting a steady increase as more families move to this charming suburb for its safety and top-notch education. Public health initiatives, including a renowned wellness program and community-centered health fairs, further emphasize the role of nurses in promoting overall community health. Here in Mountainside, we’re proud of the flourishing environment for nursing professionals and the vital roles they play in healthcare. For those looking to explore local opportunities, NurseRecruiter connects our community's uniquely skilled nurses with job openings, and employers can use the platform to find the best local candidates. This is an exciting time for nursing professionals, and I invite everyone to take advantage of the thriving job market in our town.
