Dover, New Hampshire: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Promising Opportunities for Professionals in Healthcare
Living in Dover, New Hampshire, we’re lucky to be surrounded by a vibrant and growing nursing job market. Known for its rich history, beautiful riverfront, and proximity to the dramatic landscapes of New England, Dover offers a unique blend of community and opportunity for nursing professionals. As of the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the state of New Hampshire make a mean hourly wage of about $35.40, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $73,600. In contrast, here in Dover, nurses can expect slightly higher average salaries, ranging from $36 to $40 per hour, or about $75,000 to $83,200 annually, positioning us favorably against both state and national averages. With our proximity to coastal attractions and a supportive community atmosphere, it's an ideal spot not only for local nurses but also for traveling nurses seeking short-term assignments.
Analyzing the broader nursing job market, Dover is witnessing a surge in demand for nursing professionals as we anticipate a need for about 200 new nurses over the next five years, given the current trends and population growth. The existing nurse workforce in Dover is estimated to be around 1,000, supported by various healthcare facilities throughout the city, including Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, which is one of the largest employers. Travel nursing opportunities, while not as prominent as in some bustling urban centers, show steady demand, particularly during the summer months when our tourist season peaks. With our nearby cities of Rochester and Portsmouth, we're in a competitive region, with Portsmouth offering a slightly higher salary range, but Dover holds its own with its smaller-community charm and potential for part-time or per diem nursing positions that are increasingly sought after. Here, we can encourage our nursing peers to explore jobs on NurseRecruiter, where a wealth of local job matches await, catering to the diverse needs of our workforce.
The healthcare infrastructure in Dover boasts a solid array of facilities, making it a hub for nursing specialties such as geriatrics and pediatrics, fueled by our growing population of families and older adults. Recent investments in health services—particularly relating to mental health and telemedicine—highlight the city's commitment to improving health outcomes for all residents. With about 32,000 residents, Dover's growth rate of approximately 0.9% annually reflects a thriving community eager for healthcare providers. Our public health initiatives, including programs focused on preventive care, have also been pivotal in shaping the roles of nurses in our area. As a local, it's heartening to see how we continue to evolve, creating a robust healthcare landscape while preserving the quality of life that makes Dover such a special place. If you're a current or prospective nurse looking for exciting opportunities here, consider signing up for NurseRecruiter to connect with local employers who are actively seeking talent. Employers can also benefit from posting their job openings to find the right local candidates.