Mesa, Arizona: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Expanding Opportunities Amidst Population Growth and Healthcare Demand
Here in Mesa, Arizona, we pride ourselves on our warm climate, vibrant communities, and unique blend of cultural experiences—all of which contribute to a dynamic nursing job market. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Mesa is home to over half a million residents, providing ample opportunities for nurses across various specialties. The mean salary for nurses in Arizona sits around $38.80 per hour, translating to about $80,700 annually, while the median figures show that most nurses can expect around $35.50 an hour or roughly $73,800 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Here in Mesa, we see a slight increase due to the high demand for healthcare professionals, estimating an average wage range between $39 and $42 per hour. Our city's proximity to Phoenix, which has a strong healthcare sector, influences these figures significantly, inviting many local professionals to seek employment in larger medical facilities in the metro area.
As our healthcare landscape grows, we are witnessing a demand for new nurses that is expected to increase by about 15% in the next five years—this translates to around 2,000 new nursing positions opening in the city. Currently, there are approximately 15,000 registered nurses employed in Mesa, making the city a robust market for our profession. With more than ten major hospitals, including Banner Desert Medical Center and the new Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, we are well-equipped to cater to the ongoing healthcare needs of our community. Additionally, the city supports travel nursing, especially during the winter months when tourism peaks—this creates a seasonal uptick in available jobs for traveling nurses. Per diem nursing positions are also on the rise, particularly in outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities, where flexibility allows nurses to fill gaps as needed. In comparison to nearby cities like Gilbert and Chandler, we stand out with significantly higher job openings but slightly lower average salaries, showcasing how the proliferating healthcare needs shape our local offerings.
Mesa’s healthcare infrastructure continues to expand with ongoing investments in local hospitals and specialized clinics, further cementing our city’s reputation as a healthcare hub. High-demand specialties include critical care, pediatrics, and mental health nursing, which are increasingly vital in our community. Population growth, projected to continue at around 2% annually, ensures that nursing roles will remain pivotal in addressing public health initiatives, especially as we focus on preventive care and chronic disease management. Locally, there are numerous engaging activities and cultural events that enrich our lives outside of work, from the Mesa Arts Center to the annual Chicago Cubs Spring Training held in our backyard, making it a fulfilling place to build a nursing career. Whether you’re an established nurse or considering a new role, I encourage you to explore opportunities on NurseRecruiter, where we can match local job openings with skilled professionals. Employers can use this platform to discover our talent pool right here in Mesa, ensuring the community's health needs are met with dedicated and experienced nursing staff.
