Benton, Kentucky: A Hidden Gem for Nurses Offering Competitive Salaries, Expanding Opportunities, and a Vibrant Community Lifestyle
Nestled in the heart of western Kentucky, Benton is a charming small town that beautifully balances serene country living with a growing healthcare landscape. Here in Benton, we pride ourselves not only on our rich history but also on our commitment to health services, making our nursing job market both vibrant and essential. The average nursing salary in Benton generally falls between $60,000 to $70,000 annually, which compares favorably to the Kentucky state average of about $62,000 and the national average of $77,600. What’s more, our unique culture—with its local festivals like the Benton Quilt Festival and beautiful landmarks like the Kentucky Lake—makes our town an attractive option for nurses considering a creative and fulfilling lifestyle as they embark on their profession.
As far as the job market is concerned, Benton’s nursing workforce is bolstered by several healthcare facilities, including the reputable Marshall County Hospital. Currently, there’s a healthy demand for nurses, with an estimated 200 nurses actively employed in the area and a projected need for an additional 30 new nurses over the next three to five years to match the growing population. On top of that, travel nursing opportunities in the surrounding area are quite active, particularly during the summer months when tourism peaks at nearby Kentucky Lake. Per diem positions are also plentiful, allowing nurses flexibility; it’s estimated we have around 50 per diem nurses working across various facilities. When we compare Benton to nearby cities like Paducah, there are more job opportunities and slightly higher salaries in the larger urban environment, but we enjoy a friendly, small-town atmosphere that many find appealing.
The healthcare infrastructure in Benton is multifaceted, with our main hospital providing acute care and numerous clinics scattered around offering specialized services like pediatrics and senior care. There’s a sense of community pride in the investments being made towards enhancing local healthcare facilities; recent expansions have been noted to improve obstetrics services, thereby creating more job openings for specialists in that field. Benton has a population of approximately 4,500 residents, showing steady growth attributed to families discovering the benefits of rural and community-focused living. Public health initiatives such as health fairs and vaccination drives showcase our commitment to proactive care, further elevating nursing roles within the community. Here, we are more than just a town; we are a supportive network of healthcare providers committed to our residents’ well-being. If you're currently seeking opportunities, I encourage you to check out NurseRecruiter to find job matches in our area. Employers looking for local candidates can also utilize NurseRecruiter to post jobs and tap into our dedicated nursing workforce.
