Ames, Iowa: A Hidden Gem in Nursing Careers Offering Competitive Salaries Amid Growing Demand and Quality Community Living
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant city known for its beautiful parks, bustling community events, and the esteemed Iowa State University. As a local nursing professional, I can tell you that our town offers a unique thrive in its nursing job market that's worth exploring. The average annual salary for nurses in Ames ranges between $65,000 to $75,000, which contrasts nicely with the broader state figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, where registered nurses earn an average of about $63,000 annually. Our median hourly wage is typically around $30 to $35, providing a solid income while considering our cost of living, which is significantly lower than that of larger metropolitan areas. While many may overlook Ames as a nursing destination, the quality of life here combined with competitive salary ranges positions us as an attractive option for both local nurses and prospective travel nurses looking for a temporary assignment in a friendly, community-oriented city.
The nursing job market in Ames is marked by a growing demand, as projected data suggest that our city will need approximately 200 new nurses in the next five years to keep pace with increasing healthcare needs. Currently, we have an estimated 600 nurses serving our population of around 66,000, presenting a supply-demand dynamic that encourages ongoing job opportunities for nurses. Ames is home to several healthcare facilities, including Mary Greeley Medical Center, which employs a significant number of nurses and offers a solid foundation for both per diem and full-time opportunities. As the demand for travel nursing continues to rise, especially during the summer months when local hospitals often experience higher patient volumes, Ames has become a quiet hotspot for travel professionals seeking short-term assignments. In nearby cities such as Ankeny and Boone, nurses can expect slightly higher salaries, with Ankeny averages hovering around $68,000 to $78,000, but those cities also tend to have a heavier saturation of nursing professionals, making our local scene more appealing in terms of opportunities.
Ames boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, with various clinics and specialized healthcare services catering to a diverse population. Prominent local facilities include not just our main hospital but also numerous outpatient clinics and mental health services, highlighting a mixed demand for various nursing specialties, including pediatrics and geriatrics. In recent years, there have been strategic investments in healthcare in Ames, from expanding the Mary Greeley Medical Center's facilities to increasing funding for local public health initiatives targeting wellness and preventive care. Living in Ames affords us a unique blend of small-town charm with big-city amenities, including cultural events, farmer’s markets, and the beautiful Iowa State University campus nearby, which often enriches our community life with a variety of activities. As a local nurse, I encourage my fellow professionals to consider the fulfilling life and career that Ames offers. For those interested in finding opportunities, I recommend signing up for NurseRecruiter to discover local job matches. And employers can utilize NurseRecruiter to effectively connect with skilled nursing professionals in our area. Together, we can continue to strengthen our beloved community and profession.
