Des Moines Emerges as a Thriving Hub for Nursing Careers: Competitive Salaries, Soaring Demand, and Innovative Opportunities Await Professionals
Here in Des Moines, Iowa, the nursing job market reflects the city’s vibrant healthcare landscape and community-focused culture. Known for its beautiful parks, lively arts scene, and midwestern charm, Des Moines serves as a hub for health services in the region. The average salary for nurses here typically ranges from $27.00 to $37.00 per hour, translating to annual salaries between approximately $56,160 and $77,760. This is relatively comparable to the state average, which sits around $60,000 per year, and notably more favorable when contrasted with national averages that hover around $49,000 to $54,000—though it is worth mentioning that the wages tend to be higher in major urban settings like Chicago, which can pull some professionals from our growing community. As someone who has experienced the amicable spirit of Des Moines firsthand, I can confidently say that our city not only offers competitive salaries but also a fulfilling work-life experience that many nurses cherish.
Looking deeper into the job market, we can see a steadily increasing demand for nursing professionals. NurseRecruiter estimates that over the next five years, Des Moines will need approximately 800 new nurses to keep up with the growing population and healthcare needs. With a current nursing workforce estimated at around 5,000, this city will need 15-20% more nurses to cater to our expanding healthcare facilities, including the renowned MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Notably, the demand for travel and per diem nursing positions is growing due to wave patterns where travel nurses flock during summer months when our local hospitals experience higher patient volumes. Local job seekers interested in travel nursing can find frequent openings, as our city’s accessibility to major highways makes it a convenient option for professionals seeking flexible work hours. In comparison, cities like Cedar Rapids and Omaha show slightly lower demand growth, with average hourly rates about $2-$4 less than our own, making Des Moines an attractive option for nursing professionals.
As our healthcare infrastructure continues to develop, several projects on the horizon are set to enhance our resources and specialties available in Des Moines. Currently, we have over 400 licensed healthcare facilities, with specific demand trending toward specialty areas such as pediatrics, mental health, and geriatrics. The growth of programs in telehealth and community health initiatives has also fostered an environment ripe for nursing innovation and career progression. Des Moines is not only growing in population—currently around 215,000 with an expected growth rate of 6% over the next decade—but it is also developing a robust healthcare presence. Balancing the challenges presented by the ever-changing public health landscape, we remain committed to improving community health outcomes, especially through initiatives directed at underserved populations. Overall, our vibrant city culture and promising healthcare landscape make Des Moines an ideal place for nursing professionals seeking fulfilling careers. Whether you’re a local nurse or a travel professional considering our city, there are abundant opportunities waiting for you. To explore these opportunities, I encourage you to sign up on NurseRecruiter today for tailored job matches that can elevate your nursing career right here in Des Moines. Local employers too can take advantage of NurseRecruiter to reach talented candidates within our growing nurse community.
