Sumner, Iowa: A Hidden Gem for Nurses with Competitive Salaries, Growing Job Market, and Community-Centric Lifestyle
Nestled in the heart of northeast Iowa, Sumner is a charming small town that strikes the perfect balance between rural serenity and modern amenities. Known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes, our town is home to about 2,300 residents who embrace a lifestyle steeped in neighborly spirit and Midwestern values. The nursing job market here is an equally inviting aspect of our community, with registered nurses seeing competitive hourly wages between $26.50 to $34.25, which translates to an annual salary range of approximately $55,000 to $71,000. For context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national median annual salary for registered nurses is around $75,330, while the Iowa state average is closer to $65,800. Despite being smaller than metropolitan areas, Sumner remains distinctively attractive for nurses seeking a fulfilling career coupled with an accessible, welcoming environment.
The nursing job market in Sumner is on an upward trajectory, fueled by increasing demand for healthcare professionals that aligns with broader regional trends. NurseRecruiter estimates that our city may require around 50 new nurses over the next five years to accommodate the growing patient population and workforce retirement. Currently, we have about 250 nurses employed in various capacities across facilities such as Sumner Health Care Center and UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital in nearby Waterloo. With travel nursing opportunities fluctuating, our town does see a modest, seasonal influx of travel nurses, particularly during summer months when healthcare facilities often experience heightened patient volumes. Sumner is also well-connected to surrounding towns like West Union and Oelwein, where nurses can enjoy a similar balance between lifestyle and job opportunities, although salary ranges there average slightly higher—between $27.50 to $36.00 hourly—compared to our own. Engaging with local job opportunities through NurseRecruiter can help aspiring candidates find their perfect match in this vibrant landscape.
Our healthcare infrastructure in Sumner is commendable, with several well-established facilities and services tailored to meet diverse needs. With a mixture of specialties such as family practice, long-term care, and primary care, the healthcare arena is designed to cater to our community’s requirements while ensuring nurses have ample opportunities to develop their skills. Recent investments in telehealth initiatives and local clinics further enhance accessibility, making it easier for residents to access quality care. Lifestyle-wise, Sumner boasts an inviting array of community events, including the Sumner Freedom Festival, fostering a strong sense of belonging while offering recreational options and cultural richness. The growth of our population, which has steadily increased in recent years, forged a solid foundation for sustainable nursing roles and collaborations with public health initiatives that promote wellness throughout our community. With approximately 3% growth projected over the next decade, the landscape in Sumner offers both current and prospective nurses a unique blend of job opportunities and a fulfilling way of life. For those looking to embark on their nursing journey or advance their career, NurseRecruiter is here to assist in finding local job matches and positions within the welcoming heart of Iowa.
