Discover Ashland, Wisconsin: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Amid Stunning Lake Superior Views and a Welcoming Community
As a longtime resident of Ashland, Wisconsin, I can attest that our city is a hidden gem in the north that boasts not just stunning views of Lake Superior but a vibrant and steadily growing nursing job market. Situated near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Ashland offers a picturesque blend of natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Nursing professionals here can expect to earn an average annual salary between $60,000 and $75,000, which aligns closely with the state mean of approximately $71,000 and the national average of around $77,600 according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. What sets Ashland apart from larger cities, like Milwaukee or Duluth, is our welcoming lifestyle and smaller-town charm, while still providing competitive pay and numerous opportunities for professional development.
In terms of the local job market for nurses, Ashland presently employs about 390 registered nurses, and analysis suggests that there will be a need for approximately 100 new nursing positions over the next five years to accommodate our aging population and healthcare demands. The demand for per diem and travel nursing jobs is modest but stable, with local hospitals and healthcare facilities that consistently seek additional staffing, particularly during seasonal peaks, such as the summer tourist influx when our community swells with visitors. The presence of major healthcare employers like Memorial Medical Center and regional clinics bolsters this stability. Compared to nearby cities such as Ironwood and Spooner, our job opportunities are on par in terms of salary but Ashland shines with a tight-knit community atmosphere that fosters collaboration and support among healthcare professionals. While we compete regionally with the larger naval bases and healthcare centers in Duluth, our quality of life and serene environment truly set us apart.
As Ashland continues to grow, we can anticipate significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to improving our local healthcare landscape. With Memorial Medical Center leading the charge in providing a variety of services, such as urgent and emergency care, nursing specialties like pediatrics and geriatrics are in demand. The community's population hovers close to 16,000, with projections indicating steady growth, which is reassuring for nursing job seekers. In addition, regional public health initiatives, such as vaccination drives and health education programs, will actively shape the roles of nurses in our city. For those looking to join our ranks, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter, where you can explore the job landscape right here in Ashland or even assist employers in finding qualified nursing candidates from our local talent pool. The combination of promising job opportunities and our community’s warm embrace makes our city an ideal place for both current and prospective nursing professionals.
