Dodge City, Kansas: A Growing Hub for Nursing Professionals Amidst Rich Heritage and Modern Healthcare Needs
Here in Dodge City, Kansas, we boast a richly storied heritage that mirrors our vibrant spirit as a small town getting used to the rhythms of modern living. As a proud local resident, I can tell you that our nursing job market is an integral part of this community. With a population of about 27,000, we find ourselves at an intersection of tradition and growth, where healthcare is not just a necessity, but a pillar of support for our residents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for nurses in Kansas stands at approximately $66,290, with a median of $60,490. In Dodge City specifically, we can estimate a salary range for registered nurses to be around $28.00 to $32.50 per hour, translating to about $58,240 to $67,600 annually. This positions our city competitively when compared nationally, as the BLS reports the national average for registered nurses to be about $77,600.
As our nursing job market evolves, demand is on the rise, reflecting the broader trends in healthcare. With an estimated need for 10% more nurses in the upcoming five years, Dodge City is welcoming new professionals to meet this challenge head-on. Currently, the local workforce appears to hover around 700 registered nurses. Our healthcare facilities, including the prominent Western Plains Medical Complex, serve as central employers and pivotal hubs for nursing positions. Comparatively, nearby cities such as Garden City, with a similar landscape, offer slightly higher wages, while cities like Liberal and Great Bend have fewer opportunities but share the same coworking spirit among nursing professionals. The travel nursing scene here in Dodge City does see some seasonal trends, especially peak during local health events; however, it doesn’t have the same intensity as larger urban areas, with fewer positions available compared to hot spots like Wichita and Kansas City. Per diem roles do exist in our community and add vital flexibility to the job market, yet they are also more limited in scale.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Dodge City possesses a well-rounded selection of facilities catering to various specialties, from primary care to emergency services. Recent investments have been made to expand services at the Western Plains Medical Complex, enhancing our local healthcare capacity and signaling ongoing growth and demand for nursing roles here. The community is united in its commitment to health, emphasizing public health programs that prioritize wellness for all residents. Our population growth is steady, and continuing trends suggest we will need even more healthcare professionals in the future to support our growing community. The charm of cowboy culture alongside modern amenities offers a lifestyle that balances work and play, captured through events such as our annual Dodge City Days festival. For those considering a career or new opportunities in nursing, I encourage you to explore the local landscape. Sign up to NurseRecruiter to see available job matches in Dodge City and connect with employers eager to meet local nursing professionals. Together, we can continue to build a healthy community.
