Jacksonville, North Carolina: A Growing Nursing Job Market Amid Coastal Charm and Community Spirit
As a longtime resident of Jacksonville, North Carolina, I take pride in telling you about our thriving nursing job market here in this vibrant coastal city. Nestled between the lush greenery of the Coastal Plains and the inviting shores of the Atlantic, Jacksonville is not only the home of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune but also a growing healthcare hub. Our average nursing salaries reflect both the local economy and state trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in North Carolina earn a mean rate of about $31.14 per hour, approximately $64,875 annually. Here in Jacksonville, we estimate nurses earn between $29 to $35 per hour, translating to around $60,000 to $73,000 annually, anchoring us firmly within the state's competitive landscape while offering an appealing lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty and community spirit.
Our nursing job market presents a wealth of opportunities fueled by continual growth. NurseRecruiter estimates that, over the next five years, we will need an additional 500 nurses to meet increasing demands. Currently, the Jacksonville area supports approximately 1,200 employed nurses, factoring in the city’s population of around 70,000 and the regional healthcare needs. Seasonal trends indicate a growing interest in travel nursing here, especially during the summer months when our coastal tourism peaks; however, it’s worth noting that Jacksonville is not a top travel nursing hotspot compared to larger metro areas. In terms of per diem nursing jobs, opportunities are flourishing, with several local healthcare facilities highlighting a steady demand. We boast major employers like Onslow Memorial Hospital and several clinics and urgent care facilities, positioning Jacksonville as a vital node for healthcare services. In contrast, nearby cities like Wilmington and Greenville present different job opportunities, with slightly higher salary ranges due to their larger populations and healthcare infrastructures. However, Jacksonville maintains an inviting, close-knit community vibe that many find irresistible.
The healthcare infrastructure in Jacksonville is improving, with millions in recent investments aimed at expanding our major hospitals and specialty clinics, thereby elevating care standards across the board. Notable hospitals like Onslow Memorial and the new VA clinic are at the forefront, providing a diversity of specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. Jacksonville’s steady growth, underlined by a population increase of about 4% since the last census, signals a fierce demand for nursing professionals ready to make a difference. Our public health initiatives, particularly those targeting veterans and military families, further illustrate how integral nursing roles are in our community. While enjoying our seafood festivals, outdoor adventures, and Southern hospitality, we are also nurturing a robust healthcare market. If you're looking to explore job openings, I strongly encourage you to sign up at NurseRecruiter. It’s not just a helpful resource for us seeking nursing positions; employers are also leveraging it to find talented nurses right here in Jacksonville. We've got a vibrant local healthcare scene that is only set to grow, making now a fantastic time to be a nurse in our beautiful town.
