Des Moines Emerges as a Thriving Hub for Nursing Jobs: Competitive Salaries, Expanding Opportunities, and Community Impact Await Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Here in Des Moines, Iowa, we're not just known for our rich Midwestern charm and vibrant cultural scene; we're also carving out an impressive footprint in the nursing job market. With the picturesque skyline against the backdrop of the Des Moines River, our city serves as a hub for healthcare, making it ideal for both local nurses and those looking to transition into travel nursing. Salaries for registered nurses in Des Moines typically range from $63,000 to $78,000 annually, translating to about $30 to $37 per hour. This figure is commendably competitive when you compare it to the state of Iowa’s average annual salary of $63,700, and the national average of $78,700, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While we often find ourselves overshadowed by larger metropolitan areas, our healthcare system is robust, with a mix of community hospitals and specialized clinics—offering ample opportunities for nursing professionals who want to put down roots or embark on new adventures in nursing.
The nursing job market in Des Moines is on a growth trajectory. NurseRecruiter estimates that approximately 1,500 new nurses will be needed in our city over the next five years, driven by an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services. Currently, about 15,000 nurses are employed in the area, making us an essential part of the surrounding community’s health ecosystem. The demand isn't solely for full-time nursing positions; we see a significant influx of travel nursing and per diem roles—particularly during local events like the Iowa State Fair in August and sports seasons, where staffing needs peak. We have a handful of major healthcare facilities, with Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health as leading employers; however, nearby cities like West Des Moines and Ankeny also offer competitive salary ranges and job opportunities. For instance, West Des Moines nurses generally earn around $64,000 to $79,000, providing a close alternative for commuters. In contrast, Cedar Rapids, about two hours away, presents a slightly different atmosphere, with an average annual salary of $68,000 but fewer employment opportunities due to a smaller healthcare infrastructure.
Our healthcare infrastructure reflects a commitment to community wellness, with over a dozen hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics catering to a diversity of specialties, from pediatrics to mental health. Ongoing investments, such as the construction of new specialty clinics and expansions of existing hospitals, underscore a trend toward enhancing healthcare services across Des Moines. Beyond just the professional aspect, life here is enriched with local festivals, art events, and scenic outdoor activities, all while fostering a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere. With a population of around 215,000, we are experiencing steady growth, projected to rise by 5% over the next decade, which correlates to increasing employment opportunities in healthcare. Public health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns and chronic disease management programs, further underscore the pivotal role nurses play in our community. As we embrace the future of nursing in Des Moines, I invite both current and prospective nurses to explore the robust job market and sign up for NurseRecruiter, where you can discover local job matches tailored to your skills. Employers can also leverage this resource to find qualified candidates eager to contribute to our healthcare landscape. Here, nursing is not just a job; it's a pathway to making a difference in the lives around us, wrapped in the welcoming embrace of our beloved city.
