West Des Moines Emerges as a Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Promising Growth Opportunities
Here in West Des Moines, Iowa, we're lucky to nurture a vibrant nursing job market nestled in a city that seamlessly blends suburban tranquility with metropolitan convenience. Renowned for its friendly community and scenic parks, West Des Moines is also home to a dynamic healthcare landscape. Our average nursing salaries range between $29.50 and $37.50 per hour, translating to annual earnings of approximately $61,600 to $78,000. This reflects a competitive edge compared to the Iowa state averages of $29.00 for the lower end and $38.50 for the higher end, while both figures fall short of the national averages around $36.22 and $75,330 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As nurses, we benefit from West Des Moines' proximity to bustling nearby cities like Des Moines and Urbandale, providing ample opportunities while maintaining the charm of our close-knit community.
The nursing job market in West Des Moines has exhibited robust growth in recent years, with projections indicating an increasing demand for nurses due to an aging population and expanding healthcare services. Currently, we estimate that there are approximately 3,000 active nurses in our city, with a projected need for about 600 new nurses over the next five years, equating to a 20% increase. The demand for travel nursing jobs here is also notable, particularly during the summer peak months when regional hospitals experience heightened patient loads. Similarly, per diem nursing positions are flourishing, with various healthcare facilities around the city accommodating flexible work schedules. Prominent employers include UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center, among several clinics and specialty care providers. When we compare West Des Moines to nearby urban centers like Ames or Ankeny, we see more varied job opportunities and slightly higher salary ranges owing to our urban proximity and increased healthcare investments.
The healthcare infrastructure in West Des Moines is continuously evolving, with numerous hospitals, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics offering a wide array of services. We currently host about 8 major healthcare facilities, including several renowned for their focus on geriatric care, pediatrics, and surgical specialties. Recent investments in our healthcare community underscore this growth—UnityPoint Health and MercyOne have both initiated expansion projects to enhance patient care capabilities. As for our lifestyle, West Des Moines is enriched with cultural events like the annual Arts Festival and features trails, parks, and shopping venues that create a vibrant living experience for nurses and families alike. With a population of over 68,000, expected to grow steadily, our city reflects a solid foundation for healthcare growth. Significant public health initiatives have emerged to tackle prevalent issues such as diabetes and mental wellness, shaping our nursing roles to meet the community's evolving needs. If you’re a nursing professional looking to connect with opportunities in our city, I encourage you to register with NurseRecruiter, where employers actively seek local talent. Employers can also use NurseRecruiter to find qualified candidates for their open nursing positions, contributing to the growing demand for healthcare in our beloved West Des Moines.
