Tulsa's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and Unique Community Charm Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the nursing job market has a vibrant pulse that reflects our city's unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern friendliness. Nestled among the rolling hills and rich arts scene, we have an abundance of opportunities for nursing professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national mean wage for registered nurses is approximately $40.44 per hour, translating to around $84,510 annually, while in Oklahoma, the mean hourly wage is about $30.25, which rounds out to $62,960 annually. Here in Tulsa, an average registered nurse can expect to earn between $30 and $34 per hour, adding an attractive layer of local competitiveness to our burgeoning market. Beyond salary, Tulsa's urban landscape boasts notable landmarks such as the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Arts District, creating an inspiring environment for both work and leisure. In contrast, cities like Oklahoma City may offer slightly higher wages but can lack the specific local charm that makes our community truly special.
Diving deeper into the nuances of the nursing job market, we see a robust demand emerging in Tulsa as we project the need for approximately 1,200 new nurses over the next five years to keep pace with population growth and increased healthcare needs. The current nursing workforce in our city stands around 7,000, and with a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, the demand for both travel nursing and per diem nursing is notably significant. While travel nursing trends can fluctuate, we tend to see peaks during the summer months as families take vacations and healthcare facilities bolster their staff levels to meet demand. Corners of the city are dotted with medical facilities and healthcare organizations such as Saint Francis Health System and Hillcrest Medical Center, emphasizing specialty healthcare and patient care services. When comparing ourselves to nearby cities like Broken Arrow and Bixby, we find that Tulsa consistently offers more diverse job opportunities and competitive salaries in the nursing field, although Broken Arrow may present a slightly lower cost of living.
Tulsa's healthcare infrastructure is consistently evolving, with several planned expansions and new facilities coming online. Currently, we have over 28 hospitals and specialized clinics, many focusing on high-demand services such as rehabilitation nursing and pediatric care. Recently announced investments in healthcare across the city are expected to bolster the demand for skilled nursing personnel, with projections indicating a favorable trend well into the coming years. As our city welcomes an estimated growth, currently around 400,000 residents, there is a palpable sense of community and local pride woven into the fabric of our cities—one that values health and wellness initiatives. For both current and prospective nurses, it remains an exciting time to establish or advance your career here in Tulsa. I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to uncover job opportunities that match your skills. Employers can also utilize NurseRecruiter to find local talent eager to contribute to our thriving healthcare community.
