Oklahoma's Nursing Landscape: Thriving Opportunities for Professionals in a Growing Healthcare Market
Here in Oklahoma, we pride ourselves on our warm community spirit and the resilience of our health care professionals, particularly nurses. As the state continues to grow, so does our nursing job market, which offers both local opportunities and appealing prospects for travel nurses. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses nationally stands at around $37.24 per hour and $77,600 annually. In Oklahoma, however, we see a slightly lower average with registered nurses earning approximately $30.80 per hour and $64,000 annually. While these figures may appear conservative compared to states like California, the cost of living in Oklahoma ensures that our salaries offer sufficient support for a comfortable lifestyle. The state's blend of rich cultural heritage, from Native American history to cowboy traditions, coupled with landmarks like the vibrant Bricktown in Oklahoma City and the natural beauty of the Wichita Mountains, creates a lively backdrop for our nursing professionals.
Digging deeper into the state’s job market, Oklahoma boasts a robust healthcare system with an estimated 69,000 nurses currently practicing here. Over the next few years, we're anticipating a demand surge that could require adding about 13,000 new nursing positions to meet the healthcare needs of our growing population. Travel nursing is increasingly noticeable in our region, with seasonal trends peaking around summer, coinciding with an influx of tourism and summer events. While not considered the hottest travel nursing market, Oklahoma is steadily gaining traction with a competitive array of travel assignments, particularly in rural healthcare facilities. The per diem nursing market also offers flexibility for those looking to supplement their income. With more than 100 hospitals and numerous clinics throughout the state, our prominent employers, including OU Medicine in Oklahoma City and St. Francis Health System in Tulsa, consistently seek skilled nurses to deliver quality patient care. Compared to the national job market, Oklahoma presents unique opportunities; our healthcare facilities may not boast the highest salaries but provide a welcoming community and necessary work-life balance that many professionals value.
To complement our strong nursing workforce, Oklahoma is investing in healthcare infrastructure with new facilities and expansions underway, particularly in metropolitan areas. Significant developments at places like the Integris Health Network cater to increasing local health needs, driving the demand for nursing specialties like critical care and geriatrics. The lifestyle in Oklahoma reflects a blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, with easy access to outdoor activities, local music, and cuisine that makes every day vibrant. As our population grows, currently around 4 million and projected to rise steadily, we are also seeing initiatives aimed at improving public health, which further open up nursing roles in preventive care and community outreach. Ultimately, if you’re a current or prospective nurse looking to make your mark, I highly recommend exploring opportunities here, whether through NurseRecruiter to discover local job matches or for employers to connect with talent in our vibrant state. Together, we can continue to shape Oklahoma’s healthcare landscape for the better.
