Ankeny, Iowa: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Careers with Competitive Salaries and Growing Opportunities in a Supportive Community
Here in Ankeny, Iowa, a city that seamlessly blends small-town charm with progressive growth, the nursing job market is both vibrant and competitive. Situated just a stone’s throw from Des Moines, Ankeny boasts a community that supports health initiatives, offering an array of healthcare settings that appeal to various nursing specialties. The average annual salary for nurses in Iowa hovers around $65,000, with a mean hourly wage of approximately $31.25 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Ankeny, which has seen a lot of recent growth in population — now boasting around 67,000 residents — salary averages for nurses are estimated to range from $64,000 to $69,000 annualized depending on the facility and years of experience. This competitive remuneration highlights the importance of nursing in our local healthcare landscape. Unlike some neighboring cities, Ankeny’s evolving healthcare scene provides ample opportunities for local nurses to thrive both professionally and personally amid charming parks and community-driven events.
Diving deeper into the nursing job market here, we find a strong demand as the city’s population continues to grow. With projections indicating that Ankeny will need approximately 120 new nursing positions over the next five years, the future appears bright for those entering or transitioning within the nursing field. Currently, an estimated 800 nurses serve in various capacities around the city, primarily within our healthcare facilities, including the well-respected UnityPoint Health and the growing number of outpatient centers sprouting up around town. Travel nursing also holds potential here, particularly during peak seasons such as summer, when local hospitals experience increased patient flow. Meanwhile, the per diem nursing market reflects our city’s needs too, with numerous opportunities available as part-time work at various health facilities. When compared to nearby cities like West Des Moines and Urbandale, Ankeny showcases a favorable balance of exceptional job opportunities, ongoing community support, and a slightly lower cost of living — all of which contribute to a compelling lifestyle for local nursing professionals.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Ankeny is continually expanding and investing in its facilities to meet the growing needs of the community. Several primary care clinics, specialty clinics, and a burgeoning mental health sector have become cornerstones of our healthcare environment. Current estimates reveal that Ankeny hosts over ten significant healthcare facilities, ensuring that diverse nursing specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics, are in demand. Public health initiatives, including vaccination programs and wellness fairs, focus on preventative care, presenting additional avenues for nursing roles within the community. With a projected population growth of 4% over the next five years, as reported in 2022 Census estimates, Ankeny’s commitment to fostering healthcare solutions will only strengthen. As nursing professionals consider our city for career growth, the welcoming community and lifestyle interwoven with cultural activities make Ankeny an outstanding choice. If you’re looking for opportunities here, signing up with NurseRecruiter is a great way to find local job matches. Likewise, if you represent healthcare employers, you can utilize NurseRecruiter to post job openings to connect with our talented nursing workforce.
