Ankeny, Iowa Emerges as Nursing Job Market Powerhouse: Competitive Salaries, Thriving Community, and Robust Growth Opportunities Await Healthcare Professionals
Nestled just north of Des Moines, Ankeny, Iowa, is a vibrant city celebrated for its rapid growth and welcoming atmosphere. Here in Ankeny, we have witnessed a transformative boom in our nursing job market, fueled largely by developments in healthcare facilities, community demographics, and our proximity to the state capital. Nurses in the area earn an impressive average salary ranging from $63,000 to $75,000 annually, which surpasses the Iowa mean salary of approximately $60,000 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, our salaries often compare favorably against the national average of $81,000, showcasing Ankeny as not just a charming community but also a lucrative destination for nursing professionals. With a population of just over 70,000, notable landmarks such as the Ankeny Art Center and the Prairie Ridge Middle School add to our unique culture, while the blend of urban convenience and suburban charm attracts families and professionals alike.
The nursing job market in Ankeny is thriving, with robust growth trends anticipated over the next few years. NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need approximately 700 new nurses to meet the projected demand driven by healthcare advancements and our burgeoning population. Currently, around 1,500 registered nurses comprise the workforce in our city, ensuring quality care as we compete with our neighboring cities such as Urbandale and West Des Moines. Each of these cities showcases its unique advantages—their average salaries can range from $61,000 to $72,000, while the travel nursing opportunities in Ankeny, which peak during winter and summer seasons, provide an enticing pathway for professionals looking to supplement their income. Additionally, the per diem nursing job market is on the rise, with an estimated 200 per diem positions available, making flexibility a cornerstone of our local opportunity landscape.
Ankeny boasts several major healthcare facilities, including MercyOne Ankeny Medical Center and UnityPoint Health, offering specialty care across various disciplines, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent investments in healthcare infrastructure and the construction of new clinics are set to reinforce our capacity to deliver quality healthcare services, solidifying our status as a healthcare hub in the region. Our community thrives on a lifestyle that embraces outdoor activities, local festivals, and a strong sense of community bonding, with ongoing public health initiatives, such as health fairs and vaccination drives, reflecting our commitment to wellness. As Ankeny continues to evolve, we remain a city fueled by opportunity, distinctively positioned in the nursing job market. If you're looking to explore local job matches or find candidates for your nursing vacancies, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, which connects us all in this rewarding field.
