Jonesboro, Arkansas: A Growing Hub for Nursing Opportunities with Competitive Salaries and Diverse Specialties Amidst Expanding Healthcare Needs
Nestled in the heart of Northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro boasts a flourishing nursing job market that reflects both the community’s growth and its healthcare initiatives. With a population of around 80,000 residents, the city is home to several healthcare facilities, including notable institutions like St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. Here in Jonesboro, we embrace a culture of caring, given the rising demand for healthcare professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses earn a median annual salary of approximately $75,330 on a national level and median state salaries hover around $69,570 for Arkansas. In Jonesboro, we can reasonably estimate our average nursing salary range to be between $28.85 and $36.50 per hour, or an annual salary range of $60,000 to $76,000. This competitive salary reflects both the growing demand for nurses and our city’s ability to support healthcare professionals, particularly when compared to nearby cities like Little Rock, where salaries can be marginally higher but also face greater competition for roles.
The nursing job market in Jonesboro is robust and shows promising growth trends. NurseRecruiter estimates that by 2028, we will require around 175 new registered nurses to meet the healthcare needs of our increasing population. Currently, we have approximately 1,400 practicing nurses in our healthcare system, suggesting a stable supply amid rising demand. Additionally, travel nursing opportunities remain plentiful, particularly during peak times in the summer when local hospitals see an influx of cases. Per diem nursing jobs also play a vital role in our local market, with about 150 to 200 such positions available to accommodate the varying needs of healthcare facilities across the city. Comparing Jonesboro to neighboring cities like Paragould and Blytheville reveals that while these cities have fewer facilities and slightly lower average salaries, they still present a wealth of opportunities for those willing to commute. This is largely due to the concentrated healthcare resources we have here, which includes six major hospitals and over two dozen specialty clinics catering to everything from pediatrics to orthopedics.
As a local nurse, I can attest to the commitments made to enhance our healthcare infrastructure, and I’ve witnessed significant investments in community health initiatives over the last few years, particularly in mental health and preventive care programs. The healthcare facilities in Jonesboro strive to cater to diverse specialties, making our nursing roles more dynamic and enriching. Furthermore, the city is characterized by its tight-knit community atmosphere, with cultural attractions like the Arkansas State University campus, the Jonesboro community theatre, and numerous outdoor spaces that encourage an active lifestyle. With a potential population growth rate estimated at around 1.5% annually, Jonesboro stands poised for further expansion in both its healthcare and nursing sectors. As our city continues to thrive and the demand for qualified nursing professionals rises, I strongly encourage local nurses as well as those from outside of Arkansas to explore opportunities present with companies like NurseRecruiter, which connects healthcare workers to relevant job openings in our vibrant city. Employers can find qualified candidates by posting positions through NurseRecruiter, further solidifying Jonesboro's nursing market as a hub of opportunity.
