Lee's Summit: A Growing Nursing Job Market with Competitive Wages and Expanding Opportunities in Missouri’s Vibrant Community
Here in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we find ourselves in a vibrant city that seamlessly blends suburban tranquility with the pulse of urban living. Nestled just 20 miles east of Kansas City, our city boasts a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, community parks, and a thriving local arts scene. The nursing job market here reflects this energy and growth, with hourly wages for nurses generally ranging from $28 to $36, translating to annual salaries of approximately $58,000 to $75,000. This range sits just above Missouri's average for nurses, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports at around $27.76 per hour or about $57,800 annually, showcasing how our community is an appealing option for both local and traveling nurses drawn by its charm and accessibility. While the national average hover around $38.00 hourly, or approximately $79,000 per year, Lee's Summit stands out as an affordable yet rewarding destination for nursing professionals in comparison to its nearby counterpart, Kansas City, where opportunities and wages tend to skew higher due to increased demand.
Analyzing the nursing job market in Lee's Summit reveals a landscape poised for growth. With an estimated current nurse workforce of about 1,500, the demand in our growing suburban environment is projected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting that we will need an additional 400 to 500 nurses in the next five years to meet the needs of our expanding community. Nurses here also find a variety of working arrangements, from traditional full-time roles in hospitals to abundant travel nursing opportunities—especially during peak seasons in the summer as temporary staffing needs rise during vacation months. Lee's Summit hosts several esteemed healthcare facilities, including Lee's Summit Medical Center and St. Luke’s East Hospital, which are among the key employers in the area, contributing to the stability of our nursing job market. When compared to nearby cities like Overland Park, Kansas, and Independence, Missouri, Lee's Summit offers a unique blend of community-focused care opportunities with a slightly lower cost of living, which enhances the overall quality of life for nursing professionals here.
As we delve deeper into our healthcare infrastructure, Lee's Summit is proud to offer a strong network of facilities catering to an array of specialties such as pediatrics, oncology, and geriatrics. Recent investments in healthcare, including expansions at local hospitals, signal a robust commitment to enhancing our city's healthcare capabilities. Our current population is approximately 100,000, which has been steadily increasing, making us one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Public health initiatives, such as programs focused on prevention and community wellness, further influence the demand for nursing roles that prioritize health education and community engagement. The blend of a supportive community, growing infrastructure, and diverse nursing opportunities makes Lee’s Summit not just a place to work, but a place to thrive. If you’re a current or prospective nurse seeking to explore your options, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter to discover job opportunities right here in our friendly city, while employers can utilize the platform to connect with local talent ready to provide compassionate care.
