Laurel, Montana: A Growing Nursing Job Market Offering Competitive Salaries and Unique Lifestyle Benefits in the Heart of Yellowstone County
Here in Laurel, Montana, a city nestled in the heart of Yellowstone County, we have developed a vibrant nursing job market that mirrors both the beauty of our surroundings and the warmth of our community. Known for its scenic landscapes and rich history, Laurel offers an intimate yet thriving healthcare atmosphere, with an average nursing salary estimated around $28.00 to $32.00 per hour. This is competitive when you put it side by side with national and state figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which report national averages nearing $37.00 per hour and $77,600 annually. While living in Montana can mean a blend of rural charm and urban amenities, our nursing professionals can expect a unique combination of work satisfaction and lifestyle benefits in this region. Whether it's the picturesque views of the Beartooth Mountains or a warm evening community gathering, our city stands apart, especially when compared to larger cities nearby that often burden nurses with higher living costs and congestion.
Analyzing the broader landscape of Laurel’s nursing job market reveals both stability and growth. NurseRecruiter estimates that our city will require an additional 200 nurses in the next five years, accounting for both retirements and increased healthcare demand. Given a population of approximately 7,500, it’s projected that there are around 300 nurses currently employed in various healthcare facilities across our community. The travel nursing market is witnessing a slight uptick, primarily driven by our proximity to Yellowstone National Park, attracting transient employment during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, per diem nursing jobs are becoming increasingly commonplace as healthcare facilities strive for flexibility, further enhancing our job opportunities. Prominent employers like the local medical center, community clinics, and specialized care facilities bolster our healthcare landscape, while nearby Billings, Montana, just a stone's throw away, exhibits a markedly different nursing salary landscape and demand, further emphasizing the uniqueness of the Laurel experience.
Our healthcare infrastructure in Laurel, supported by essential facilities including the Yellowstone Medical Center and numerous outpatient clinics, is on the rise, consistently investing in improvements and expansions to serve our growing community effectively. As our population has fluctuated around 0.5% annually, there's a clear expectation for continued healthcare service expansion, particularly in areas like geriatrics and family medicine. The collaborative spirit among healthcare professionals and the commitment to public health initiatives, such as smoking cessation programs and preventative health screenings, reflect our dedication to bettering the well-being of our community. This caring nature roots deeply into daily life here in Laurel, as we cherish community engagement through local events and outdoor activities that celebrate our natural surroundings. I invite both current and prospective nurses to explore the wealth of opportunities available in our nurturing environment. You can find jobs tailored to your skills on NurseRecruiter. And if you're an employer, this platform provides a gateway to your next star nurse right here in our beloved town. Together, we continue to shape a resilient healthcare community in Laurel, Montana.