Nursing Careers Taking Flight at Scott Base

Here in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, we thrive in a unique community that presents a compelling landscape for nursing professionals. Nestled between St. Louis and the suburbs of the Metro East region, our city's nursing job market benefits significantly from the proximity to larger urban centers while maintaining a small-town feel rich in camaraderie and support. As of recent reports, registered nurses in Illinois earn an average annual salary of approximately $77,000, slightly eclipsing the national average of around $75,000. More specifically, here at Scott Air Force Base, we see salaries for nursing positions ranging from $70,000 to about $85,000, with demand elevated due to the presence of military families seeking care at local clinics and hospitals like the Scott Air Force Base Medical Clinic. Coupled with the breathtaking views of the nearby Great River Road and charming local events like the biannual Scott AFB Air Expo, this community offers a rewarding lifestyle for nurses.

Don't overlook Scott Air Force Base. I almost did, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

The nursing job market here is not just robust, but it is also expected to grow significantly over the next few years, with an estimated 10% increase in demand projected through 2030. NurseRecruiter estimates that approximately 300 additional nurses will be needed in the next five years to meet our growing community's health care requirements. Currently, we host around 2,200 nurses within the city, serving a base population of approximately 5,300 military personnel and countless civilians in the surrounding areas. The demand for travel nursing opportunities is relatively stable, particularly during peak seasons following major military rotations or in response to public health initiatives, creating about 50 to 70 travel nursing positions annually. Additionally, the per diem nursing market here provides a flexible option for around 100 nurses seeking extra shifts.

Our healthcare infrastructure flourishes with facilities such as Anderson Hospital and HSHS Medical Group nearby, which actively recruit specialized nurses across various domains like trauma, pediatrics, and mental health. Recent investments have amped up healthcare education and outreach programs, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community health — especially as recent projections indicate that the population around Scott AFB is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade. As a local resident, I can attest to the strong sense of community here, with friendly faces at every turn and easy access to local attractions such as the Cahokia Mounds, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Public health initiatives further bolster our nursing landscape, allowing us to engage significantly in preventive care and outreach. For current and prospective nurses alike, Scott Air Force Base represents a vibrant nursing career opportunity, where you can find a multitude of job options through NurseRecruiter, helping you secure your next career milestone while contributing to a community woven together by care and service. Employers in our region can also leverage NurseRecruiter to connect with local talents, ensuring that our health care system remains strong and responsive.