Gresham, Oregon: A Growing Nursing Job Market in a Scenic Setting with Competitive Salaries and Expanding Opportunities
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Cascade Range, Gresham, Oregon, is a picturesque city known for its captivating parks, diverse community, and strong sense of local pride. As a local nursing professional, I find our nursing job market particularly vibrant. Although Gresham has a lower population density compared to nearby Portland, it has emerged as a noteworthy hub for healthcare jobs, notably nursing. Currently, the average salary for nurses in Gresham is estimated to range from $35.78 per hour for registered nurses to about $41.75, which translates to an annual salary range between $74,000 to $85,000. In comparison, the state of Oregon has an average hourly wage of around $41.12 for nurses and a national average of about $38.97 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While our close neighbor Portland often dominates the healthcare landscape, Gresham is undeniably attractive, offering a blend of urban and suburban benefits, including quick access to the city’s bustling amenities without the high living costs typically associated with big cities.
Analyzing the nursing job market in Gresham reveals a promising future. With Gresham's population at approximately 114,000, the current workforce of nurses is estimated to be around 1,600 based on Oregon's average nurse-to-population ratio. The region anticipates a demand for about 450 new nursing positions over the next five years, driven by an aging population and an increasing emphasis on healthcare services. Travel nursing is gaining traction in Gresham, attracting skilled professionals from across the nation, particularly during the summer months when healthcare facilities see surges in patient volumes. The per diem nursing jobs also reflect a robust market, primarily offered by hospitals and clinics that require flexible staffing solutions. Notable healthcare facilities such as Adventist Health Portland and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center are among our top employers, providing rich career opportunities. In contrast, cities like Beaverton and Hillsboro also present appealing options, yet they tend to offer higher salary ranges averaging around $45 per hour due to their proximity to Portland's metropolitan area. Regardless of the competition, Gresham holds its own by merging favorable living conditions with accessible career paths in nursing.
Our city boasts several healthcare facilities covering vital specialties including pediatrics, geriatrics, and acute care, which are constantly evolving to meet community needs. Recent investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as the expansion at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, reflect a commitment to improving the quality of patient care and expanding nursing roles within our community. With a growing population of about 1.5% projected annually, the demand for healthcare services will likely continue on this upward trajectory, creating numerous nursing job openings. Gresham also champions public health initiatives, focusing on wellness and preventive care, further shaping the responsibilities of nursing professionals in the area. Living here provides not just a fulfilling career but also a rich cultural tapestry bolstered by our vibrant community events, local artisan markets, and the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding us. I invite my fellow nursing professionals, both current and prospective, to explore Gresham’s flourishing healthcare landscape. Sign up for NurseRecruiter to view exciting local job matches, and if you are an employer, you can leverage this platform to find skilled candidates eager to contribute to our healthcare community. Welcome to Gresham, where the nursing job market is as dynamic as the landscape that surrounds us.
