Allentown, Pennsylvania: A Rising Hub for Nursing Careers with Competitive Salaries and Strong Community Support in the Thriving Lehigh Valley
Here in Allentown, Pennsylvania, we’re nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Mountain Range, vibrant cultural landmarks, and a thriving community. Our nursing job market has been on the upswing, as healthcare demands remain high. The average salary for nurses in Allentown is estimated between $30.50 to $37.00 per hour, which translates to an annual salary range of approximately $63,490 to $77,000. In contrast, Pennsylvania’s statewide average is around $34.67 per hour and $72,200 annually, while nationally, registered nurses earn around $36.22 per hour, equating to about $75,330 yearly. Allentown boasts a unique charm, with bustling local markets, the historic America On Wheels Museum, and outdoor events capturing our sense of community. Compared to nearby Bethlehem, which has a slightly lower average salary for nurses, Allentown stands out as a more lucrative destination for nursing professionals.
In the broader analysis of the nursing job market here, we see a robust demand driven by the increasing reliance on healthcare from our growing population, currently around 120,000 residents. NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need approximately 600 new nurses in Allentown over the next three to five years to meet this growing demand. Currently, there are around 3,500 nurses employed within the city. Travel nursing is also gaining traction, particularly during the summer months when our local hospitals experience increased patient load due to seasonal health issues. The per diem nursing market reflects a similar trend, providing nurses with flexible as-needed work, catering well to our dynamic population healthcare needs. Prominent employers include Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and various outpatient clinics, which all contribute to our thriving hospital system. Compared to nearby cities like Easton and Reading, Allentown offers a more competitive salary scale and a wider array of job opportunities for nursing professionals.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Allentown is well-equipped with several major hospitals, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities that prioritize various nursing specialties. The recent investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly those aimed at expanding urgent care centers, indicate a strong future for nursing in our area. Community engagement is a high priority here, with initiatives focusing on public health and preventive care, which further enhances nursing roles in local health programs. As we grow, Allentown is projected to maintain an upward trend in population, currently around 1.5% annually, reinforcing the demand for healthcare. For us, the lifestyle here is rich with cultural diversity, local festivals, outdoor activities, and, of course, a passionate community. As nursing professionals, we are at the forefront of these developments, and I encourage both current and prospective nurses to sign up for NurseRecruiter to explore local job matches and opportunities. Employers can also utilize this platform to find skilled local candidates eager to contribute to our flourishing healthcare landscape.
