Benson's Best: Where Care Meets Community

Here in Benson, Minnesota, a small town rooted in a rich agricultural landscape, the nursing job market has begun to reflect a promising trend of growth and opportunity. Nestled near the scenic Chippewa River and with a charming downtown area that features local shops and the iconic Benson Bakery, our community is not just a picturesque spot but also a nurturing environment for healthcare professionals. In terms of salaries, local registered nurses can expect a range from approximately $54,000 to $75,000 annually, positioning us neatly against the Minnesota median for RNs at around $69,000 and the national average of about $73,000. The affordability of living here coupled with the quality of life influences our community’s appeal, especially for those venturing into nursing, travel nursing, or per diem opportunities.

Sometimes smaller communities offer the best nursing experience. Benson proved that to me.

Analyzing the nursing job market in Benson reveals a robust demand, as our population of roughly 3,200 residents has a growing need for healthcare services. NurseRecruiter estimates that approximately 50 new nurses will be needed over the next few years to keep pace with projected growth and rising healthcare needs. Currently, there are around 200 nursing positions filled in the area, serving major employers like Swift County-Benson Health Services and nearby medical clinics. The travel nursing sector tends to peak during the winter months when demand increases, drawing nurses looking to escape harsher climates for short-term assignments. In contrast to neighboring cities such as Montevideo and Willmar, which have more hospitals and larger healthcare networks, Benson maintains a slower pace yet offers a close-knit community feel, which is appealing to many professionals entering or transitioning in the nursing field.

Benson’s healthcare infrastructure includes the Swift County Health Services which provides a range of primary healthcare specialties. Moreover, there have been conversations about expanding clinic services and increasing investments in telemedicine, which could further enhance job opportunities for nurses in more specialized fields. With an array of community events, from the annual Benson Golf Course opening to local farmer markets that celebrate our agricultural background, life here fosters a close-knit community feel enriched by culture and tradition. As the region continues to grow in population, with a slight increase of about 4% over the last decade, the demand for public health initiatives and preventive services will also rise, creating further nursing opportunities. For those interested in discovering how nursing careers can thrive in our town, signing up at NurseRecruiter can help connect us with job opportunities while giving employers a platform to find local candidates ready to make a difference in our community.