Hampton Rises: Discover the Nursing Oasis Where History Meets Opportunity
Hampton, Virginia, a city steeped in history and maritime heritage, presents a distinctive landscape for nursing professionals. With a population of approximately 135,000, Hampton is part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which boasts a diverse economy heavily influenced by the military, healthcare, and education sectors. According to data from the Virginia Employment Commission, there are around 5,200 registered nurses currently employed in the Hampton area, distributed among 7 major hospitals and numerous clinics and healthcare facilities. Key employers include Sentara CarePlex Hospital, the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Riverside Health System, which cater to a wide range of healthcare needs. The local job market for nurses remains robust, with a projected growth rate of 8% for registered nurses over the next decade, reflecting national trends but offering better job security in certain specialized fields such as geriatrics and pediatrics due to the aging population and pediatric needs.
When considering salaries, registered nurses in the Hampton area earn a median annual salary of around $71,000, which is competitive within the national context, though it reflects a different purchasing power when compared to the city's cost of living. The cost of living in Hampton is about 9% lower than the national average, making it a more attractive choice for those within the nursing profession seeking a balance between compensation and expenses. Transportation within the city is relatively straightforward, with public transit options available and a reasonable commute to neighboring cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach, both of which also feature burgeoning opportunities for nursing professionals. In contrast to some nearby urban centers where competitiveness for nursing positions can be intense, Hampton's nursing job market benefits from a community-oriented approach, fostering a sense of collegiality among healthcare providers. This blend of solid employment prospects, a community feel, and the historic charm of the area makes Hampton an appealing choice for established nurses.
