Red Lodge Montana: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Amidst Scenic Beauty and Community Engagement
Here in Red Lodge, Montana, a quaint and picturesque town nestled at the eastern foot of the Beartooth Mountains, the nursing job market reflects the unique blend of charm and demand characteristic of our community. As of the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the mean annual salary for nurses in Montana stands around $73,830, while the median is approximately $66,740. In Red Lodge specifically, given its smaller size and vibrant tourism industry, nurse salaries tend to range from $30 to $37 per hour, culminated in annual salaries ranging from about $62,400 to $77,000, which is slightly below the national average that hovers around $82,750. This contrast highlights our local lifestyle, where the beauty of outdoor adventures meets a solid career in healthcare. With landmarks like the historic downtown area and the scenic Red Lodge Mountain Resort, the city draws in both families and healthcare professionals who value nature and community.
The robustness of Red Lodge’s nursing landscape is intertwined with its proximity to larger towns, like Billings, which is a notable healthcare hub. The job market here is currently projected to increase by about 12% over the next five years, requiring an estimated 50 new nurses to support our growing population of approximately 2,400 residents. We have around 130 nurses currently employed in various healthcare settings, including the local Beartooth Billings Clinic and outpatient facilities, which make up a crucial part of our community’s healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, travel nursing jobs in Red Lodge, while not as vast as those in metropolitan areas, see a peak during the summer tourist season, with an estimated 15-20 travel nurses sought to cater to both the influx of visitors and local needs. Per diem nursing opportunities also exist here, mainly driven by seasonal demand and occasional shortages. In comparison to Billings, which features a larger urban setting with broader job options and higher salaries averaging around $35-$45 per hour, Red Lodge’s retention of skilled nurses is fostered by the winning combination of lifestyle appeal and community engagement.
Our healthcare facilities, particularly the Beartooth Billings Clinic, focus primarily on family practice, emergency care, and specialty services such as orthopedic care, thus creating a strong demand for various nursing practices. Recent investments in local public health initiatives, such as immunization drives and mental health awareness programs, have also elevated the role of nurses in community health management. With this in mind, the population of Red Lodge is expected to maintain steady growth, reinforcing the need for a robust healthcare workforce. Our community thrives with charm and activity, providing a lifestyle filled with outdoor pursuits and close-knit interaction, making it an attractive place for nurses. Whether you are looking to start your career or advance your nursing journey, I encourage you to join us—sign up for NurseRecruiter to explore job opportunities here in Red Lodge, and let employers discover local talent ready to make a difference in our healthcare landscape.
