Lakewood, Colorado: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Professionals with Competitive Salaries, Growing Job Opportunities, and a Community Committed to Health and Wellness
Here in Lakewood, Colorado, we have much to offer, especially for nursing professionals. As a vibrant suburb just west of Denver, Lakewood boasts stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, numerous parks, and an engaged community that values health and wellness. The nursing job market here is quite promising, with average salaries for registered nurses hovering between $36.50 and $42.25 per hour, translating to annual earnings ranging from $76,040 to $87,800. This positions us favorably compared to the national mean hourly wage of $37.86 and an annual mean salary of around $78,960 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, the proximity to Denver, a major metropolitan area with diverse healthcare needs, plays a significant role in bolstering job opportunities and salaries, making Lakewood a unique blend of suburban comfort and metropolitan accessibility.
Diving deeper into the nursing job market, forecasts suggest a significant demand for new nursing professionals here in Lakewood as the population continues to grow, estimated to be around 158,300 as of 2023. NurseRecruiter estimates that there will be approximately 700 new nursing positions needed in the next 3-5 years due to retirement and evolving healthcare demands. Currently, we can anticipate a workforce of about 3,200 nurses employed in various settings across the city, including our notable facilities like St. Anthony Hospital and the Colorado Internal Medicine Clinic. Furthermore, the travel nursing scene here seems to be active, particularly in winter and early spring, when seasonal flu spikes create a temporary need for additional staff. The per diem nursing market also reflects robust health, with many local nurses opting for flexible shifts in a variety of care settings. When looking at nearby cities, such as Golden and Westminster, we see slight variations in salary and job availability; for instance, Golden provides a more small-town feel but offers slightly lower pay, while Westminster tends to attract a broader range of nursing specialties due to its larger hospital network.
Lakewood’s healthcare infrastructure is continually evolving to meet the needs of our growing community. We have hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities striving to maintain high standards in various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health. Recently, major investments have been made to expand emergency departments and enhance specialty care, reflecting a commitment to improving health access and quality. Our city is not only characterized by outstanding parks, vibrant art scenes, and recreational activities, but it also fosters strong community ties, contributing to an overall fulfilling lifestyle for those in the nursing profession. With a population growth rate of 1.2% projected for the next few years, significant public health initiatives are underway to address challenges such as mental health and chronic disease management, creating more roles for nurses. For nursing professionals contemplating a move or a new opportunity in our area, I encourage you to sign up at NurseRecruiter, where local job matches await. Plus, employers can easily use NurseRecruiter to find qualified candidates looking to join our exceptional healthcare community. Let's embrace the future of nursing together here in Lakewood!
