Explore Kansas' Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Community-Centric Lifestyle, and Growing Opportunities Await
Here in Kansas, we boast a vibrant and growing nursing job market, deeply intertwined with the heartland culture that makes our state so unique. The latest statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that registered nurses in Kansas earn a mean hourly wage of approximately $30.82 and a median annual salary around $63,060. In contrast, on a national level, registered nurses earn a mean hourly wage of about $39.16 and a median annual salary of around $81,220. This disparity highlights the cost of living benefits in Kansas, where lifestyle and affordability allow nurses to thrive in their roles without the pressures of metropolitan life. From the rolling Flint Hills to the breathtaking sunsets over the Smoky Valley, our state offers a quality of life that combines professional fulfillment with rich local culture and natural beauty.
Kansas currently employs around 58,000 registered nurses, according to the most recent data. The demand for nurses is expected to increase as we face an aging population and an ongoing emphasis on healthcare accessibility. Travel nursing is taking off here, with estimates suggesting there are about 1,500 active travel nursing positions throughout the state, particularly peaking in the summer months when rural healthcare facilities see an influx of patients familiar with our fair weather. The major cities—Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park, and Topeka—serve as hubs for nursing opportunities, hosting prominent healthcare systems such as The University of Kansas Health System and Ascension Via Christi Health. These institutions and countless clinics across the state contribute to our diverse job market, completing the picture against the backdrop of the national average where employment is often more concentrated in urban settings.
Our healthcare infrastructure is robust, with over 120 hospitals and well over 200 healthcare facilities that provide extensive care across various nursing specialties including geriatrics, critical care, and pediatrics. Recent investments in telehealth and community health initiatives bolster the demand for skilled nursing staff who can adapt to modern healthcare challenges. Kansas's population, clocking in at roughly 2.9 million with a steady growth rate, reflects a community-oriented lifestyle deeply invested in supporting its healthcare professionals. With supportive local initiatives and an inviting atmosphere that fosters collaboration and camaraderie, now is an exciting time to dive into Kansas's nursing job market. For those interested, signing up on NurseRecruiter is a great way to explore job opportunities tailored for us right here in Kansas, while employers can streamline their hiring processes, bringing in the best local talent to keep our communities thriving.
