Scott Air Force Base and Belleville: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Growing Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals in Southern Illinois
Nestled near the quaint town of Belleville, Scott Air Force Base is not just a military installation; it's an integral part of our vibrant community here in southern Illinois. The nursing job market around the base reflects the unique blend of military and civilian healthcare needs, providing both steady positions and dynamic opportunities for nursing professionals. On average, nurses in the area earn between $30 to $45 per hour, translating to approximately $62,000 to $94,500 annually, depending on experience and specialization. This range is comparable to the state average of around $34.50 an hour, with a national average hovering around $39.30, offering a competitive edge in terms of employment. With landmarks such as the nearby Cahokia Mounds and the bustling downtown areas of Belleville and Shiloh, our city perfectly balances small-town charm with a rich community spirit, attracting not only local nurses but also travel nurses who seek temporary assignments on the base or in the surrounding hospitals.
The nursing job market in our area is robust and steadily growing. According to projections, the Scott Air Force Base region will need approximately 38% more nurses over the next five years to meet the increasing healthcare demands, both due to population growth and the expanding military community. Currently, there are an estimated 1,500 nurses working in various capacities in the vicinity, serving in both military healthcare settings and civilian facilities, such as Memorial Hospital, which is just a short drive away. Travel nursing has seen a spike in demand here, particularly during summer months when many military families relocate to and from the base. While smaller than other regional hubs like St. Louis, which has a larger healthcare ecosystem, our nearby facilities still provide ample opportunities with a diverse range of roles. We can also find nearby cities like O'Fallon and Fairview Heights, where competitive salaries and similar job prospects can offer substantial career options for nurses looking to explore local employment landscapes.
Healthcare facilities in our area, like Scott's own medical clinic and adjacent hospitals, provide specialty care that is crucial for both military and civilian populations. Recent investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of outpatient services and mental health programs, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to meeting patient needs while creating exciting new roles for nurses. Our community of about 15,000 residents is evolving, with growth projections suggesting an expansion of around 2-3% in the next five years, driven largely by the base's personnel and their families. Local public health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns and wellness programs, are constantly evolving, creating excellent opportunities for nurses to engage in impactful work. Here in Scott Air Force Base and the surrounding areas of Illinois, we have a thriving environment that welcomes nurses to contribute to our community’s health. So let’s not just work here; let’s grow and celebrate our unique landscape together. For those interested in exploring our job market further, I invite you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where you'll find numerous opportunities right here and across similar cities. Additionally, local employers should consider posting their job openings on NurseRecruiter to connect with talented nursing professionals.
