Thriving Nursing Job Market in Rolla, Missouri: Competitive Salaries and Strong Community Ties Propel Opportunities in Healthcare
Living in Rolla, Missouri, I can confidently say that our charming city reflects the warmth and community spirit that embodies the heart of the Midwest. Rolla, home to the renowned Missouri University of Science and Technology, has a unique blend of academic vibrancy and small-town appeal that influences our nursing job market. Nurses here can expect salaries that range from around $27.50 to $35.00 per hour, translating to annual figures between $57,200 and $72,800. These figures contrast with state averages in Missouri, which are about $30.50 per hour and $63,400 annually, while the national averages rest a bit higher at around $34.70 per hour ($72,250 annually) according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here in Rolla, we enjoy this unique atmosphere of opportunity while benefiting from the proximity to larger cities like Jefferson City and Springfield, which also influence our healthcare landscape.
As for the job market, it’s thriving, with an increasing demand for qualified nurses projected over the next five years, especially as new healthcare facilities are emerging and the population continues to grow. Currently, the number of nurses employed in Rolla stands around 320, making up a significant portion of our local healthcare workforce. Demand for travel nursing appears to be stable, particularly during our healthcare peaks, such as flu season when hospitals feel the strain of increased patient influx. Additionally, the local per diem nursing market has been robust, providing flexibility and earning opportunities for many who want to choose their schedules. With major employers such as Phelps Health and various clinics around the city, the number of facilities hiring nurses remains a strong point, especially when comparing regional competitors like Lebanon and Waynesville, which offer different wage scales and lifestyle options. While they may provide slightly higher pay, they lack the community cohesiveness that Rolla is known for.
Beyond the numbers, Rolla's healthcare infrastructure is quite impressive, with Phelps Health at the helm, providing diverse specialties from emergency care to specialized services that cater to the regional population. Recently, investments in expanding facilities and focusing on preventive healthcare have created various job opportunities that align with current nursing specialties. We are fortunate to live in a city that, although small, boasts a vibrant healthcare community and plenty of lifestyle perks, including local parks, cultural events, and the beautiful Ozark scenery surrounding us. Rolla's population hovers around 20,000 with a steady growth rate projected, attributing to a myriad of public health initiatives that focus on enhancing community wellness. As nurses, we are not only caring for patients but also enriching the lives of our fellow community members. I warmly invite my fellow nursing professionals to discover job opportunities in Rolla through NurseRecruiter, where you can find local matches tailored just for you. Additionally, employers can utilize this platform to post their job openings and successfully recruit from our valuable local talent pool. Let’s thrive together in Rolla!
