Springfield's Nursing Job Market Thrives: Competitive Salaries, Surging Demand, and a Community-Focused Lifestyle Await Healthcare Professionals in the Ozarks
Here in Springfield, Missouri, we have a vibrant and evolving nursing job market that reflects the warmth and resilience of our community. Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield offers a blend of urban and rural lifestyles infused with a strong sense of local pride. As a key player in the healthcare landscape of southwest Missouri, Springfield provides numerous opportunities for both local nurses and travel nurses seeking a change of scenery. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing salaries in our city range approximately between $57,000 and $74,000 annually, compared to the state average of around $63,000 and the national average of about $75,000. While our salaries are competitive, the lower cost of living here compared to major metropolitan areas makes Springfield an appealing place to live and work.
Examining the broader state of the nursing job market, we find a robust landscape fueled by an increasing demand for healthcare services. Over the next 3-5 years, NurseRecruiter estimates that Springfield will require around 1,000 new nurses to meet the rising needs of its growing population, which was at roughly 170,000 in 2022. Currently, there are about 4,500 nurses employed in the area. The demand for travel and per diem nursing is particularly noteworthy, especially during the busy flu season in the fall and winter, making Springfield a hotspot for traveling nurses looking for short-term assignments. We boast numerous healthcare facilities—including CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital—providing diverse and rewarding nursing opportunities. In comparison, nearby cities like Branson and Joplin offer fewer job openings and slightly lower salary averages, while larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City present intense competition for nursing positions and higher costs of living.
Our healthcare infrastructure is bolstered by continuing investments in hospital expansions and technology upgrades that cater to specialized nursing fields such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care. With a strong focus on public health initiatives targeting chronic conditions and preventative care, we are witnessing a healthier community with growing demands for skilled nurses. Springfield’s charming downtown area, cultural attractions like the Dickerson Park Zoo, and community events such as the annual Artsfest create a vibrant lifestyle that is appealing to both residents and newcomers alike. Our population growth rate, which has been steady at about 1% annually, signals a bright future for healthcare services in our city. For nurses looking to immerse themselves in a community-oriented environment filled with opportunities, I invite you to connect with NurseRecruiter. Here, you can explore job possibilities and gain insights into our flourishing nursing market, while employers can find dedicated local talent ready to contribute to our healthcare system.
