Explore Thriving Nursing Careers in Killeen, Texas: A Growing Community with Endless Opportunities and Competitive Salaries
Here in Killeen, Texas, we find ourselves in a vibrant community that's as diverse as it is welcoming, a city teeming with opportunities for nursing professionals. Nestled adjacent to Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the world, Killeen's healthcare scene pulsates with opportunity and need. While the national average salary for a registered nurse stands at approximately $38.98 per hour (or an annual salary of around $81,220), nurses in Texas earn a mean hourly wage of $37.01 ($77,770 annually). Killeen offers competitive salaries that range from $34 to $44 per hour, depending on experience and specialization, placing our city slightly below the state average but often buoyed by proximity to military and veteran healthcare needs. The bustling streets of Killeen are lined with local eateries and parks, with the scenic Stillhouse Hollow Lake just a short drive away, making it an appealing spot for both work and leisure.
The nursing job market here in Killeen is notably robust, with continued growth stemming from the area's expanding population, currently around 156,000 residents. NurseRecruiter estimates that we’ll need an additional 300 nurses over the next 5 years to meet the growing demand. As of now, there are approximately 1,000 registered nurses employed within the city limits. The demand for both travel nursing and per diem positions has grown, largely due to seasonal factors in the military and healthcare flux. Nearby cities like Temple and Waco also offer attractive opportunities, but salaries around $32 to $40 per hour and a slower market growth compared to Killeen make them less appealing in terms of immediate job opportunities. Additionally, the nearby cities provide options for commuting nurses seeking to explore more options while working. Killeen's strong healthcare network showcases nearly six major hospitals and a plethora of clinics, with prominent employers like the Army's Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center leading the charge.
Our healthcare infrastructure is robust, featuring diverse facilities that cater to everything from general practice to specialized services in pediatrics and critical care. Recent investments in healthcare facilities aim to bolster our growing needs, with plans for new outpatient centers on the horizon, projected to create an additional influx of nursing jobs—particularly for acute care and rehabilitation specialties. With a community that prioritizes health and wellness, local public health initiatives focusing on maternal care and chronic disease management continue to reinforce the demand for nursing roles. Here in Killeen, we enjoy a lifestyle enriched by cultural events, local parks, and a tight-knit community spirit, all conditions that foster a fulfilling work-life balance for nurses. If you’re looking for a place that offers both career opportunities and a great quality of life, our vibrant city could be just the right fit. For those in search of job opportunities or for employers hoping to connect with talented nursing professionals, I encourage you to explore NurseRecruiter for local job matches and further connect with our growing community.
