Kenosha's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Community Spirit, and Growing Opportunities Await Nurses in the Heart of Wisconsin
Here in Kenosha, Wisconsin, our nursing job market holds an intriguing blend of opportunity and community spirit. Nestled between the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan and the bustling city of Milwaukee, Kenosha offers an inviting atmosphere for both local nurses and those considering travel nursing roles. Currently, nurses in our city can expect an annual salary range from approximately $65,000 to $80,000, which aligns closely with state averages of $71,000 and national averages of $80,000, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What sets Kenosha apart is not just its competitive pay, but also its vibrant downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and the charm of the nearby Kenosha Public Museum and the historic Southport Light Station. Compared to the larger job markets in Milwaukee, where salaries can reach upward of $85,000, we find ourselves with a unique balance of a lower cost of living and a strong community focus.
The nursing job market in Kenosha is robust and poised for growth over the next several years. NurseRecruiter estimates that we currently have around 1,200 employed nurses in our city, with an anticipated need for 250 new nurses in the next 3-5 years due to both retirements and an expanding population, which saw a 3% growth in the last census. While travel nursing isn’t as prolific as in larger metropolitan areas, we still see seasonal demand, particularly during the summer months when local healthcare facilities experience spikes in patient volume. The per diem nursing market is also significant, with approximately 150 registered per diem nurses contributing flexibility to our local healthcare landscape. Within an hour's drive, cities like Racine and Milwaukee provide additional nursing job opportunities and competitive salaries; Racine offers slightly lower pay with an annual range of $60,000 to $75,000, while Milwaukee maintains a steady demand for specialized nursing roles, particularly in cardiology and pediatrics.
Kenosha's healthcare infrastructure includes several major facilities, such as the Advocate Aurora Health and the Kenosha Community Health Center, which are recognized for their strong emphasis on patient care and nursing specialties. We also witness ongoing investments, with local healthcare providers expanding facilities and integrating state-of-the-art technology to improve patient outcomes. Life in Kenosha balances work with a vibrant community, featuring local art fairs, farmers' markets, and several outdoor activities along the lakefront. The city’s population currently stands at around 100,000, and projections indicate continued growth, which will spur further healthcare initiatives and nursing roles. Notably, outreach programs aiming to enhance mental health support are shaping nursing roles in our community. This combination of community-centric living, steady healthcare job demand, and ongoing investment in healthcare ensures that both current and prospective nurses find a welcoming and promising environment here. I encourage all readers to sign up for NurseRecruiter to explore local job opportunities, and remember that employers can also benefit by posting on NurseRecruiter to find qualified candidates right here in our great city.
