Rockwood, Tennessee: A Hidden Gem for Nursing Professionals with Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and an Enriching Community Environment
Nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, Rockwood may be small, but it’s bursting with Southern charm and a vibrant community spirit that makes it a unique place for nursing professionals. Here in Rockwood, we have a steadfast nursing job market supported by our commitment to healthcare and wellness. With a rich backdrop of the gorgeous Watts Bar Lake and the nearby stunning Smoky Mountains, our town lives up to its reputation as a great place to work and live. As of recent statistics, the average salary range for registered nurses in our city is around $25.00 to $32.00 per hour, translating to an annual earnings range of approximately $52,000 to $66,560. For context, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for registered nurses in Tennessee is $30.10, and the national mean is $37.85, allowing us to experience a competitive, though slightly lower, cost of living-driven salary average compared to larger metropolitan areas.
The demand for nurses in Rockwood is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. NurseRecruiter estimates that, currently, there are about 450 active nurses employed in our town, to meet the healthcare needs of our population of approximately 4,400 residents. With a growing senior population and the opening of new healthcare facilities, we expect to need about 100 new nurses over the next three to five years, making for an exciting opportunity for both local and traveling nurses. Travel nursing jobs seem to be less of a hotspot here compared to larger city environments; however, we do see peaks in demand coinciding with summer hospital admissions and various local health initiatives. On the other hand, the per diem nursing market is fairly active, with several healthcare facilities offering flexible shifts for nurses looking for sporadic work. Rockwood’s nursing job market is nicely supported by nearby cities such as Oak Ridge, which offers higher average salaries around $34.00 per hour, and Kingston, slightly less at $29.00 per hour. These cities not only provide a broader job pool but also add to the uniqueness of our local lifestyle, showcasing the contrasts in opportunity versus community vibe.
Rockwood boasts several healthcare facilities, including the Rockwood Health and Rehabilitation Center and local clinics that cater to varied nursing specialties like geriatrics and pediatrics. Recent investments have placed emphasis on enhancing healthcare access for our residents, with developments underway to expand existing facilities. The community is tightly knit, with ample recreational activities ranging from fishing and hiking to thoroughbred racing events at local tracks. The population here is stable, with a slight growth trend expected in the coming years which promises an ongoing need for nursing services. Public health initiatives aimed at improving health education and preventive care are vital components of our local system, creating more roles for nurses. Overall, our city’s nursing landscape reflects both the commitment to quality healthcare and a lifestyle steeped in community warmth. If you’re eyeing opportunities here in Rockwood or nearby strengths in the nursing field, consider signing up with NurseRecruiter for the latest job match alerts. Employers can also make use of NurseRecruiter to connect with our local skilled nursing candidates.
