Scranton's Nursing Job Market Thrives: Competitive Salaries, Promising Growth, and a Community-Centric Healthcare Landscape
Nestled in the heart of the Lackawanna Valley, Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a city steeped in rich history and industrial heritage. Often referred to as the Electric City, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene, charming neighborhoods, and notable landmarks like the iconic Steamtown National Historic Site and the University of Scranton. Here in Scranton, we find ourselves in an evolving nursing job market where, on average, registered nurses can expect to earn between $29 and $36 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to $75,000, largely influenced by experience and specialization. Comparing our city’s figures to the state median of about $32.23 hourly and the national average of $38.08, we see that Scranton offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living, making it an attractive place for nursing professionals. Unlike neighboring Wilkes-Barre, which often vies for the same pool of healthcare talent, Scranton stands out for its tight-knit community and unique culture that embraces both new graduates and seasoned nurses alike.
Our nursing job market here is robust and promising, with projected growth in the demand for healthcare services. According to estimates, Scranton will need around 600 new nurses over the next five years to keep pace with the increasing population and utilization of healthcare services—reflecting a trend seen throughout Pennsylvania. Currently, there are approximately 4,500 RNs employed in the region, a number that continues to grow as more healthcare facilities expand their services to meet patient needs. The travel nursing market here, while not as vibrant as larger metropolitan areas, does see spikes, especially in summer and winter months, largely due to seasonal demand in our local hospitals like Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. Per diem opportunities also exist, albeit in smaller numbers, as facilities seek flexible staffing solutions. When we glance at nearby cities like Allentown and Bethlehem, job opportunities may be more abundant; however, their average pay tends to trail behind Scranton’s, signaling that our city strikes a balance between quality of life and compensation.
Supported by a mix of community hospitals, specialty clinics, and a strong educational foundation, Scranton’s healthcare infrastructure is poised for growth. The presence of the University of Scranton and other local training programs bolsters our nursing workforce by supplying well-trained graduates eager to enter the field. Recent investments in healthcare facilities, such as expansions at regional hospitals, are set to further enhance our local healthcare offerings, preparing us to meet the future needs of our residents. With a population hovering around 77,000 and growth projections indicating a continued upward trend, the community prioritizes health initiatives and wellness programs that expand the role of nursing professionals within our healthcare landscape. Here in Scranton, we embrace our identity as a nurturing community committed to health and well-being, a sentiment echoed in our public health initiatives. For those of you looking to further your nursing careers or find exciting new opportunities, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter, where you can explore local job matches and connect with employers eager to find skilled candidates in our vibrant city.
