Nursing Careers Blossoming in Benton, IL

Benton, Illinois, nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, is a charming small town known for its tight-knit community and rich history. Here in Benton, the nursing job market offers a promising landscape for those in our field. With the mean annual salary for registered nurses hovering around $76,760, and the median figure at $71,650, we see competitive pay that reflects the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. Comparatively, the state of Illinois averages approximately $85,030, and nationally, registered nurses earn around $82,750, which highlights our local market's attractive nature for nursing jobs. Our town is situated close to Shawnee National Forest and boasts various parks and recreational opportunities, providing a vibrant lifestyle alongside our professional endeavors. Although Benton is smaller than neighboring cities like Marion, where the nursing scene is a bit more bustling and salaries may trend higher due to increased demand, we find a unique charm in working here that larger metros may lack.

Analyzing the job market in Benton reveals a robust demand for nursing professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 16 percent job growth in the nursing field over the next decade, which resonates here as well. There are currently approximately 380 registered nurses employed in Benton, which reflects our community's size and healthcare needs. With roughly 25 percent of nurses expected to retire in the next five years, the projected demand for new nurses could reach around 100 new positions by 2028. Travel nursing opportunities are limited, yet we see a slight uptick during flu season and summer months as surrounding hospitals search for short-term coverage. Per diem nursing also plays a crucial role, with an estimated 60 to 80 per diem nurses currently active, allowing for flexibility and additional income for those seeking to complement their full-time positions. Our local healthcare landscape includes Benton’s own Franklin Hospital, along with several outpatient clinics, which provide a foundation for nursing careers in the area.

Benton's healthcare infrastructure is continuing to expand, catering to an increasingly diverse patient population. Franklin Hospital is a key player in providing essential services, and several specialty clinics are emerging that focus on areas like pediatrics and geriatric care. Recent investments in healthcare technologies and facilities reinforce our community's commitment to quality care, enhancing nursing roles. As our population stabilizes around 7,000 residents, we see a promising growth trajectory that supports our local workforce as well. Initiatives aimed at improving public health, such as vaccination drives and wellness fairs, have become cornerstones of community engagement, linking our nursing efforts with broader public health objectives. Here in Benton, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellent patient care while fostering our unique Midwestern lifestyle. I invite both current and prospective nursing professionals to explore opportunities through NurseRecruiter, where local job matches can help connect us with our next steps in the growing field of nursing, while employers can post jobs to attract local talent eager to serve our community.