Laurel, Mississippi: A Growing Hub for Nurses with Competitive Salaries and a Vibrant Community Life
Here in Laurel, Mississippi, we pride ourselves on the rich history and warmth of our small town, all while being a burgeoning hub for nursing professionals. Nestled among the pines, our city boasts a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality and modern healthcare needs. Currently, the average salary range for nurses in our town hovers between $58,000 and $72,000 annually, translating to roughly $28 to $35 per hour. These figures align closely with Mississippi's state averages which are reported to range from $56,000 to $66,000 per year, while the national averages sit at about $75,000. However, what sets Laurel apart isn’t just the numbers; it’s also the vibrant community and engaged lifestyle we enjoy here, from the annual Laurel Arts Festival to the picturesque Southern-style homes that dot our streets.
The nursing job market in Laurel is robust, with steady growth observed over the past few years. NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need approximately 100 new nurses in the next three to five years, driven by increasing local healthcare demands as our population grows. The current nursing workforce in Laurel stands at about 600 nurses, illustrating how essential we are to healthcare delivery in the region. Additionally, the city’s offering of travel nursing roles has been evolving; while we might not be the top hotspot like some cities, we typically see demand peak during the winter months when local hospitals experience higher patient volumes. As for per diem positions, they provide flexible opportunities, with an estimated 80 part-time roles available currently to accommodate the varied schedules nurses have today. Nearby cities like Hattiesburg, known for its larger healthcare facilities, present a greater number of job opportunities and salary ranges, with averages around the $77,000 mark for nurses. Comparatively, Meridian and Jackson also boast more robust nursing markets, highlighting the different dynamics of nursing across our region.
Laurel is home to several prominent healthcare facilities, including South Central Regional Medical Center and multiple clinics that encompass a wide array of specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Given our meticulous approach to improving community health, local investments are being made to upgrade facilities and expand services, creating a strong forecast for continued nursing job availability. Notably, public health initiatives focused on chronic disease management and preventive care further influence nursing roles here. With a steadily growing population currently estimated at around 18,000, we have positioned ourselves not only as a sanctuary for lifestyle and culture but also as a thriving arena for healthcare professionals. Our community embraces both the challenges and opportunities that come with providing high-quality care. As we navigate through the evolving healthcare landscape together, I invite local and prospective nurses to sign up with NurseRecruiter, where you can explore job matches tailored to our local market—employers can also post jobs to find talent right here in Laurel.
