Nursing Opportunities Surge in Akron, Ohio: Competitive Salaries and Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure Make It a Prime Destination for Healthcare Professionals
As a proud resident of Akron, Ohio, I've long admired our city's rich industrial heritage and vibrant community spirit, especially as it relates to our nursing job market. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Akron is not just famous for its rubber industry; it stands as a growing hub for healthcare that attracts nurses from both near and afar. In terms of salary, the nursing scene here is quite competitive, with registered nurses earning between $28.00 and $35.00 an hour, translating to annual figures ranging from approximately $58,240 to $72,800. These numbers sit well within the state’s reported mean of $32.34 per hour and the national average of $37.41, creating a lucrative environment for local nursing professionals. With landmarks like the Akron Zoo and the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park nearby, we are surrounded by both urban charm and natural beauty, creating a unique lifestyle that draws many to consider working in our city.
Diving deeper into the state of the nursing job market here in Akron, it becomes apparent that we're experiencing significant growth. NurseRecruiter estimates that we currently have around 3,000 registered nurses employed in the city, with projections suggesting that over the next five years, we'll need nearly 600 additional nurses to meet the growing demand. Our healthcare landscape includes about four major hospitals and multiple clinics, such as Summa Akron City Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Akron General, consistently hiring for a range of nursing specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. Travel nursing opportunities are also emerging in Akron but are not as robust compared to other metropolitan areas; typically, peak seasons are tied to the winter months when hospitals seek additional staff to handle seasonal flu and other illnesses. In looking at our neighboring city, Cleveland, not only does it offer a larger array of jobs and specialties, but it also boasts higher average salaries; however, it comes with a more congested atmosphere that some may find challenging.
Healthcare infrastructure in Akron is on the rise, with several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing our local hospitals and expanding healthcare access for our community. Currently, there are significant investments being made into telehealth services and community health initiatives that are reshaping how we approach nursing roles in preventative care. As our city continues to grow, projected population increases of about 1.5% per year will likely lead to more nursing positions being created as we adapt to the changing needs of our community. The cultural richness of Akron, punctuated by events like the Akron Art Prize and local concerts, fosters a close-knit community atmosphere where nurses can thrive both professionally and personally. It’s truly an exciting time to be a nurse in Akron. For those seeking new opportunities, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore local job matches designed for our specific market, while employers can harness NurseRecruiter to connect with our talented nursing workforce.
