Emporia, Kansas: A Growing Nursing Job Market Offers Competitive Salaries, Diverse Opportunities, and a Close-Knit Community for Healthcare Professionals
Here in Emporia, Kansas, we enjoy the charm of a growing small town with a vibrant community centered around education and healthcare. The nursing job market reflects this growth, offering opportunities for professionals in various settings. In our city, the average salary for registered nurses hovers around $27.50 per hour, translating to approximately $57,200 annually—this is notably competitive compared to the national average of $37.20 per hour and $77,600 annually. Even more appealing is our proximity to larger cities like Topeka and Wichita, which can sometimes pull the average salaries above ours, but offer a different lifestyle that doesn't quite match the close-knit vibe of Emporia. We pride ourselves on high-quality healthcare services at local hospitals, such as Newman Regional Health, which contributes significantly to our regional healthcare reputation.
As we look at the nursing job market, it's clear there are exciting opportunities on the horizon. NurseRecruiter estimates that over the next five years, Emporia will need around 100 new registered nurses to meet the growing demand in our community. Currently, we boast an estimated workforce of about 300 nurses which means we are already seeing a tight market that may drive up demand for travel nursing options. The allure of travel nursing here isn't as strong as in larger cities, but seasonal trends do draw in temporary nurses during local hospital expansions and the summer months when healthcare facilities see an increase in patient census. Per diem nursing positions are flourishing too, as flexibility becomes a priority for many in our field. Emporia has a handful of clinics and healthcare providers, including several outpatient facilities, creating diverse opportunities for nursing practice. However, if we consider nearby cities within commuting distance, such as Manhattan and Lawrence, their larger healthcare systems tend to offer broader job opportunities and slightly higher salaries, making them direct competitors for local talent.
On the healthcare infrastructure front, Emporia is in the midst of exciting developments. As a community, we are investing in our healthcare facilities with recent updates to our major hospital and expansions to outpatient services that increase demand for specialized nursing roles in geriatrics, pediatrics, and emergency care. Our city is home to approximately 24,000 residents, and with a steady growth rate, projections indicate an increase in local population which is likely to influence healthcare needs positively. Public health initiatives here focus on wellness programs and chronic disease management to foster a healthier community, which provides additional avenues for nursing professionals. The overall atmosphere in Emporia embodies a blend of community spirit and opportunity, making it an enticing place for nurses at any career stage. Whether you're considering joining us or just exploring your options, I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter for local job matches and opportunities to engage with this thriving nursing community. Employers can also benefit by using NurseRecruiter to post jobs and connect with skilled local nurses eager to make a difference right here in Emporia.
