Carthage, Mississippi: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and Community-Centered Opportunities
Here in Carthage, Mississippi, our nursing job market reflects a community that prides itself on care and compassion, nestled amidst the warm southern charm that characterizes our region. Carthage, known for its rich history and close-knit community, boasts average nursing salaries ranging from approximately $22.30 to $28.50 per hour. This translates to an annual salary range of about $46,000 to nearly $59,500. While these figures are competitive within Mississippi—where the state average hovers around $23.50 per hour ($48,880 annually)—they fall short when compared to the national average of approximately $36.50 per hour, or around $76,000 annually. In light of this, it’s important to highlight Carthage’s unique offerings, including vibrant local culture, the famous Leake County Courthouse, and nearby attractions like the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge—elements that contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle beyond work.
Taking a broader view of the job market, our nursing sector demonstrates resilience and strong growth potential. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security estimates that there will be a significant increase in demand for nursing professionals statewide, with projections indicating that around 2,800 new nurses will be needed across the state in the next five years. Given that Carthage holds around 7% of Mississippi’s population, we can extrapolate that our city might require approximately 200 new nurses within that same timeframe. Currently, there are roughly 350 active nurses working in Carthage, but the ongoing demand for travel nursing positions has started to surge, particularly during peak seasons such as winter and summer when staffing needs often spike. Meanwhile, the local per diem nursing market has shown signs of expansion, with several hospitals and clinics eager to fill those flexible roles. With local healthcare facilities like the Leake County Hospital, and additional clinics, the nursing landscape is ever-evolving as we cater to a community that values health and accessibility.
As we look ahead, Carthage’s healthcare infrastructure is seeing developments that promise growth and new opportunities in various nursing specialties, particularly in areas like geriatrics and primary care. Recent investments led by local health systems aim to enhance service delivery, expand facilities, and possibly create new nursing positions to meet community health needs. The population of Carthage—around 5,000—has maintained a slow but steady growth, which poses favorable conditions for sustained health services. Public health initiatives, such as community health fairs and vaccination drives, also underscore the essential roles nurses play within our town. Whether you are a seasoned nurse or considering travel nursing opportunities in Carthage, the combination of competitive salaries, a supportive community, and expanding employment prospects reveals a robust job market. I encourage you to explore the many opportunities available through NurseRecruiter, where local employers are eager to match with talented nurses like us. Employers can also utilize NurseRecruiter to post jobs and seek out dedicated professionals within the area.