Carthage, Mississippi: A Growing Nursing Job Market Awaits Local and Traveling Professionals Amid Southern Charm and Community Commitment
Here in Carthage, Mississippi, our town may be small, but the nursing job market is steadily evolving into a promising landscape for both local and traveling nurses. Known for its charming downtown area with antique shops and southern hospitality, Carthage carries a unique charm that's very appealing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Mississippi have a mean annual salary of approximately $61,070, with hourly wages averaging around $29.35. In our hometown, I estimate that the average salary for nurses ranges from about $58,000 to $64,000 annually, slightly lower than the state average but competitive when considering the cost of living here. Comparatively, the national average hourly wage for RNs stands at around $37.06, which highlights how the wide variance in salaries affects our local professionals.
As for the job market, Carthage's healthcare sector shows a robust demand for nursing professionals. In the next 3-5 years, NurseRecruiter estimates we will need an additional 50-75 nurses to meet our growing population's healthcare needs. Currently, there are an estimated 250 registered nurses employed in the city, reflecting a stable workforce. Local healthcare facilities, including the Neshoba County General Hospital and various clinics, are actively hiring, which bolsters job opportunities. Travel nursing isn’t as prominent here, but there are seasonal surges during flu season and summer months, where the need can increase remarkably. In nearby towns like Philadelphia and Louisville, there are additional openings, but they tend to offer slightly lower salaries, ranging between $57,000 and $62,000 on average. Our bustling neighboring city of Jackson provides a more competitive market, with RNs earning an average of $70,000, creating a magnet effect that occasionally pulls professionals toward larger healthcare systems.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Carthage is experiencing ongoing investments, strengthening our existing facilities and expanding services offered in specialties such as emergency care and pediatrics. The population of Carthage is around 5,000 and has seen modest growth in recent years, indicating a trend that will bolster job availability as demand rises. Community initiatives, like local health fairs and vaccination drives, further exemplify our commitment to public health, creating additional roles for nurses focused on outreach and education. With our unique blend of Southern culture, friendly community life, and the emerging need for qualified nurses, Carthage offers a welcoming environment for nurses both local and from afar. For those looking to explore exciting opportunities, I invite you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to see local job matches or post your available roles to find candidates within our community. Together, let's embrace the future of nursing here in Carthage.
