Ankeny, Iowa: A Growing Hub for Nursing Professionals with Competitive Salaries and Expanding Job Opportunities
Here in Ankeny, Iowa, we take pride not only in our vibrant community but also in our burgeoning nursing job market. Nestled just north of Des Moines, Ankeny has seen substantial growth and development over the past decade. It's a community characterized by its friendly neighborhoods, rich parks, and a lively downtown area that draws residents and visitors alike. As of recent estimates, the average hourly wage for registered nurses in Iowa is approximately $30.77, with annual salaries hovering around $63,920. Specifically in Ankeny, I expect our nursing salaries to range between $60,000 and $70,000, comparable to or better than surrounding areas like Des Moines where averages are similar. Here, our quality of life, paired with competitive salaries, makes it an appealing location for nursing professionals.
Delving into the job market, Ankeny boasts a diverse array of healthcare facilities, with over five major hospitals and numerous clinics dedicated to providing high-quality care. The growth forecast for nursing positions in Ankeny is robust, with a projected need for an additional 15% more nurses over the next five years due to an aging population and expanding healthcare services. We currently have approximately 3,500 registered nurses serving our community, a number that is expected to grow as the demand for healthcare professionals continues. In addition to full-time positions, Ankeny offers a reasonable number of travel nursing and per diem nursing opportunities, largely due to seasonal trends in local healthcare which peak around the winter months when illnesses spike. Unlike nearby cities such as Urbandale or West Des Moines, where salaries could be slightly higher due to larger populations and a higher demand, Ankeny maintains a balance of opportunities and lifestyle benefits that are hard to overlook. For those looking to advance their careers, platforms like NurseRecruiter provide tailored job matches, making it easier for us to navigate this growing market.
Ankeny's healthcare infrastructure is impressive, characterized by facilities that cater to various specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent developments in local healthcare, including expansions of hospital wings and enhanced community health programs, indicate that investment in our healthcare system is a priority. The city has a population of around 70,000, and as it continues to grow, it opens more avenues for public health initiatives such as vaccination drives and health screenings, ultimately influencing nursing roles and public health outcomes. Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Ankeny not only provides a supportive and connected community but also an environment ripe for professional growth. For existing and prospective nurses, this is an exciting time to be a part of Ankeny’s evolving healthcare landscape, and I encourage you to explore opportunities on NurseRecruiter to connect with local employers eager to hire dedicated professionals like ourselves.
