Explore Tacoma’s Thriving Nursing Landscape: Competitive Salaries, Job Growth, and a Welcoming Community Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Tacoma, Washington, our city boasts a unique blend of stunning waterfront beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture—perfectly encapsulated in our diverse nursing job market. As a local resident and nursing professional, I can tell you firsthand that Tacoma is an appealing destination for nurses, whether you're looking for a full-time career or considering travel nursing opportunities. With an average salary range for registered nurses in Tacoma estimated to be between $36.00 and $45.00 per hour—contrasting the Washington state average of approximately $39.50 and the national average of around $37.50—it's clear that our local market holds its own. The city's cultural landmarks, including the iconic Museum of Glass and the picturesque Point Defiance Park, provide not only a beautiful backdrop but also a lifestyle that many nursing professionals find desirable.
In terms of the job market, Tacoma is experiencing significant growth in the healthcare sector, with projections estimating the need for around 3,000 new nurses in the next five years to meet the rising demand. Currently, we have approximately 12,000 nurses employed in the region, a number forecasted to increase due to our city's expanding population of roughly 220,000 residents. The travel nursing market here is quite active, especially during the summer months when local healthcare facilities see an influx of patients due to seasonal factors—Tacoma's proximity to popular summer destinations like Mount Rainier ensures that our hospitals and clinics remain bustling. In comparison with our neighbors—I-5 cities like Seattle and Olympia—Tacoma offers a more affordable living environment, which often translates to slightly adjusted salary ranges; Seattle's average registered nurse rate is notably higher at around $46.00 per hour.
The healthcare infrastructure in Tacoma is robust, featuring several major facilities, including St. Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma General Hospital, and Multicare Auburn Medical Center, which collectively offer a diverse range of nursing specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent investments into healthcare, reported in the past few years, suggest a focus on enhancing pediatric care and mental health services—critical areas of need. Our community thrives on a collective spirit of collaboration and passion for public health initiatives, particularly around the promotion of wellness and preventative care. With the city consistently fostering a welcoming atmosphere—not to mention community events like the annual Tacoma Pride Festival—Tacoma captures the essence of a bustling, friendly place to be a nurse. As we look ahead, I encourage current and prospective nursing professionals to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore local job matches and discover our ever-growing opportunities while helping to shape the vibrant future of nursing in Tacoma. For employers, utilizing NurseRecruiter could be the key to finding and hiring the skilled local talent nursing professionals we have here.
