Tulsa's Growing Nursing Market: Opportunities and Salaries Amidst a Flourishing Healthcare Landscape
Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as the "Oil Capital of the World," has a rich tapestry of culture, history, and community spirit that shapes not only our city’s vibe but also its nursing job market. With a population of nearly 400,000, we are home to a variety of healthcare facilities, from the iconic St. John Medical Center to the renowned Oklahoma State University Medical Center. Here in Tulsa, the average annual salary for nurses hovers around $65,000, translating to approximately $31.25 an hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $77,600 per year and the state demand, but what's unique is how rapidly the demand for healthcare professionals is growing. Tulsa boasts a burgeoning healthcare sector that is projected to create an additional 1,200 nursing jobs in the next five years, spurred by both our aging population and recent expansions of local hospitals. As a native, I can attest that living in Tulsa offers a perfect balance of opportunities, affordability, and a strong sense of community, which many other cities struggle to match.
The current nursing job market in Tulsa reflects not only the existing demand but also a significant opportunity for new nurses just beginning their careers. The estimated number of nurses currently employed here is around 9,500, marking a steady growth. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, we can expect an influx of travel nursing opportunities, especially during flu season and summer months when local facilities face staffing shortages due to vacationing staff. While we have a few travel nursing opportunities, nearby cities like Oklahoma City and Fayetteville often attract those roles away from us, offering a broader range of travel assignments at competitive pay rates—around $1,700 to $2,200 per week in those markets. In contrast, per diem jobs in Tulsa also see strong demand—approximately 10% of nursing roles—providing flexibility for nurses who want to earn additional income or maintain work-life balance. The healthcare landscape includes several critical employers, including the Tulsa Veteran Affairs Hospital and a variety of outpatient clinics. Perhaps our most significant regional rival in nursing job opportunities remains Oklahoma City, where job openings tend to be higher due to population density and a larger number of hospitals.
With a solid healthcare infrastructure in place, Tulsa is rapidly becoming a hub for specialized nursing roles, including pediatrics, behavioral health, and geriatric care. The addition of new facilities, such as the recently opened Ascension St. John Broken Arrow, illustrates our ongoing investment in health services. Public health initiatives, such as programs addressing childhood obesity and mental health awareness, are gaining traction, reflecting the community's commitment to holistic health and wellness. As our population grows at an average rate of about 1.1% annually, this will undoubtedly impact the demand for nursing professionals. Living in Tulsa, we're surrounded by a sense of community, a vibrant downtown scene, and cultural hotspots like the Philbrook Museum and the Tulsa Botanical Garden. By choosing Tulsa, you're not just stepping into a nursing role; you're embracing the heartbeat of a city dedicated to healthcare and community. I invite both current and prospective nurses to explore job opportunities through NurseRecruiter—where local job matches await those eager to join our healthcare family. Employers are also encouraged to utilize NurseRecruiter to post jobs, connecting with our vibrant nursing talent right here in Tulsa.
