Wilkes-Barre: A Thriving Nursing Hub in Pennsylvania's Scenic Wyoming Valley, Offering Competitive Salaries and Strong Job Growth Opportunities
Nestled in the picturesque Wyoming Valley of northeastern Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre beckons not just with its rich history and charming downtown, but also as a vibrant hub for nursing professionals. Known for its diverse healthcare landscape, the city offers a promising nursing job market, attracting both local talent and travel nurses looking for opportunities. As of recent data, registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre can expect to earn an average hourly wage of approximately $31.50, translating to an annual salary around $65,000. This figures favorably against the state average of $34 per hour and $70,560 annually, and the national averages of around $37.24 per hour and $77,600 annually. Here in Wilkes-Barre, we maintain a balanced cost of living, making our city an appealing alternative to larger metropolitan areas, such as Philadelphia, where the competitive nature of the job market might compress salaries.
The nursing job market in Wilkes-Barre is robust and growing, shaped by an increasing demand for healthcare services. Over the next five years, it's expected that our city will require roughly 600 new nursing professionals to meet the healthcare needs of our aging population. Currently, there are approximately 3,000 registered nurses employed in the city, as we represent about 1.4% of Pennsylvania’s total nursing workforce. The demand for travel nurses is also on the rise, particularly during peak flu and winter seasons, indicating that our hospitals can leverage temporary staff for short-term needs. The healthcare landscape here is bolstered by major employers, such as Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, among other clinics and nursing homes. Compared to nearby Scranton, which also boasts a healthy nursing job market with slightly higher salaries, Wilkes-Barre presents a unique charm and sense of community that often wins the hearts of aspiring nurses.
Our city is not just about jobs; it’s about building a lifestyle. Wilkes-Barre has a range of healthcare facilities that cater to various nursing specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care, along with new investments in healthcare infrastructure driving growth in these areas. The population here is around 40,000, with a steady growth rate forecast that will only increase healthcare demands moving forward. Wilkes-Barre embraces a close-knit community feel, enriched by regional events, the scenic Susquehanna River, and cultural highlights that make this city a wonderful place to live and work. Notably, our public health initiatives, such as vaccination drives and wellness programs, reflect a commitment to the health of our residents. For nursing professionals—be they local nurses or traveling healthcare workers—Wilkes-Barre offers a pathway to meaningful careers amid a supportive community. If you’re interested in exploring job opportunities in our area, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where local positions await, and employers can connect with potential candidates excited to contribute to our vibrant healthcare ecosystem.
