Exploring Nursing Opportunities in Smithfield: A Small Town with Growing Healthcare Demand and Competitive Salaries
Here in Smithfield, North Carolina, we take pride in our charming blend of small-town warmth and expanding healthcare opportunities. Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, our city offers a beautiful community spirit, eclectic local shops, and historic landmarks like the Ava Gardner Museum. Despite being a small city with a population of approximately 13,000, Smithfield has benefitted from the growing demand for nursing professionals. The average annual salary for registered nurses in North Carolina is around $63,000, with hourly wages typically falling between $27.06 and $31.67 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022). However, right here in Smithfield, NurseRecruiter estimates that nurses earn between $62,000 and $67,000 annually, reflective of both local healthcare needs and the unique challenges that small-town nursing can present. With cities like Raleigh just a short drive away, we also feel the influence of metropolitan areas that showcase higher salaries and more specialized nursing roles, but our quality of life is second to none.
In analyzing the job market, the outlook for nursing in Smithfield appears robust. The North Carolina Nursing Workforce Data Center reports that there are approximately 540 registered nurses currently employed in Johnston County alone. NurseRecruiter estimates that over the next five years, our city will need an additional 100 new nurses to keep up with the annual growth in healthcare, which corresponds to a predicted demand for more personalized patient care at local facilities, particularly as our community ages. The travel nursing scene is moderately active here, with demand peaking around summer months when local facilities bolster their staff. Meanwhile, per diem nursing is quite prevalent, with numerous opportunities available for nurses seeking flexibility in their work schedules. Smithfield boasts several key healthcare employers, including the Johnston Health hospital, which consistently hires RNs and other specialized nursing professionals, creating numerous opportunities that also extend to nearby cities like Clayton and Benson, where salaries may slightly vary, generally falling between $64,000 and $69,000 annually.
Finally, our healthcare infrastructure is evolving, as notable investments are being made into local facilities. As we step into a new era, ongoing developments are focused on enhancing services in critical care and outpatient assistance to meet rising public health challenges. Smithfield’s rich community life is complemented by activities such as our annual Chicken Barbecue Festival and local farmer's markets, making this the perfect place for nursing professionals who appreciate a slower pace of living while still being in close proximity to larger metropolitan areas. With a steady population growth projection noted by the U.S. Census Bureau, our job market is set to expand, paving the way for new and exciting nursing roles. With initiatives focused on improving public health outcomes and community wellness, we nurses here in Smithfield find purpose in serving our neighbors every day. For those looking to explore opportunities, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to discover local job matches that can lead you to an enriching career in our vibrant community. And if you’re an employer, you can also utilize NurseRecruiter to find talented local candidates ready to join our healthcare team.
