Durango's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Growing Opportunities, and a Scenic Lifestyle Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Durango, Colorado, nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains, we've built a vibrant community that thrives on a mix of outdoor adventure and a dedicated healthcare workforce. The nursing job market here reflects that vibrancy, offering some competitive opportunities for both local nurses and those considering travel nursing. Based on recent data, the average salary for registered nurses in our town ranges from $70,000 to $85,000 annually, which is slightly above the state average of about $75,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally, registered nurses earn an average of around $77,600, positioning Durango as an attractive destination for nursing professionals. We also enjoy a quality of life that is complemented by our historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and access to stunning landscapes, making nursing careers here even more appealing.
The nursing job market in Durango is showing robust growth, fueled by our bustling healthcare sector. Currently, there are approximately 600 registered nurses employed in the area, and we anticipate needing around 120 new nursing professionals over the next five years, corresponding to a growth rate of around 20%. Our healthcare landscape is supported by several significant employers, including Mercy Regional Medical Center and various outpatient clinics, all contributing to a healthy demand for nursing staff. Interestingly, travel nursing roles are becoming increasingly popular here, primarily during the peak tourist seasons from May to September when visitor-related health needs surge. Per diem nursing jobs are also available, with estimates suggesting a mix of around 50-70 per diem opportunities scattered across the city. Comparatively, nearby communities like Farmington, New Mexico and Cortez, Colorado, tend to offer slightly lower salaries but may have different demands and lifestyle advantages.
Durango boasts a commendable healthcare infrastructure marked by notable facilities, including specialty clinics focusing on urgent care, obstetrics, and primary care. The upcoming investments in healthcare facilities—like the planned expansion of Mercy Regional Medical Center—signal significant growth on the horizon, indicating that our local healthcare system is committed to high-quality care. As a community, we pride ourselves on our close-knit environment that loves to come together for events like the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and our annual Bluegrass Meltdown Festival. Our population currently sits at around 19,000, with a steady growth pattern that bodes well for community investment in public health initiatives, such as the recent outreach programs targeting addiction recovery and wellness education. All these factors contribute to a dynamic and committed nursing workforce that thrives in a unique, scenic setting while continuing to meet the health needs of our beloved Durango. If you’re considering a move here, or are just starting your career, I encourage you to explore opportunities through NurseRecruiter, where employers in our vibrant city are always looking for dedicated nursing professionals ready to make a difference.
