Allentown's Nursing Job Market Thrives Amid Population Growth and Competitive Salaries, Offering Promising Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals
Here in Allentown, Pennsylvania, our nursing job market is as vibrant as the city's diverse landscape, where history meets modernity. Nestled in the Lehigh Valley and often touted for its beautiful parks and rich cultural scene, Allentown boasts a solid healthcare infrastructure that is crucial for our community. The average salary for nurses in Allentown ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, translating to an annual income of approximately $63,000 to $93,600. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual salary of around $77,600, while Pennsylvania's average hovers at about $82,000. This makes our local market slightly competitive yet accessible compared to larger metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, where salaries can reach upwards of $90,000.
The robustness of Allentown's nursing job market can be characterized by steady growth and rising demand. With a current estimate of around 1,500 employed nurses in our city, projections indicate a need for at least 200 new nurses over the next three to five years. This is driven by population growth and the aging Baby Boomer demographic that frequently requires healthcare services. Travel nursing also sees its share of activity; during peak seasons, particularly summer and winter holidays, travel nursing positions often fill rapidly as hospitals seek to manage seasonal surges in patient volume. Per diem opportunities are equally promising; estimates suggest around 150 per diem nursing roles exist throughout the area. Allentown has several key employers, including Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network, which are the backbone for nursing jobs in our community. When we compare ourselves to neighboring cities like Bethlehem, where nursing salaries average slightly lower, Allentown's greater job opportunities and more extensive healthcare networks make it a preferable destination for many nursing professionals.
In terms of our healthcare infrastructure, Allentown is home to a mix of major hospitals, specialized clinics, and community health initiatives, contributing immensely to the healthcare landscape. With ongoing investments in facilities, particularly in the realm of comprehensive service lines such as cardiac, oncology, and pediatrics, the demand for specific nursing specialties is set to increase, bolstering job opportunities further. Our local culture is vibrant, with a pleasant mix of urban and suburban environments, making Allentown a community where nurses can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with artistic events, outdoor activities, and local eateries. The city’s current population stands at approximately 125,000, with a steady growth rate fueled by young professionals and families seeking the quality of life our up-and-coming city offers, alongside public health initiatives that focus on preventive care. As we navigate this dynamic nursing landscape together, I invite fellow nurses—whether established or considering a move here—to explore job opportunities on NurseRecruiter, where we can easily connect with local jobs and employers can find talented candidates in our welcoming community.
