Nursing Careers with a Strong Military Foundation

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Fort Bragg is a vibrant community defined by its distinct military presence as it’s home to the U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and the U.S. Special Operations Command. As a local resident and a nursing professional, I can tell you that this city offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges in the nursing job market. The average salary for nurses in the Fort Bragg area generally falls within the range of $25.36 to $36.42 per hour, translating to annual earnings between $52,800 and $75,870. This is notably competitive compared to the state average of around $34.54 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which denotes a statewide average annual salary near $72,000. Here in Fort Bragg, we relish easy access to beautiful parks, the Cape Fear River, and a rich local culture that revolves around community, military history, and a diverse mix of residents, all of which create a vibrant and supportive environment for both current and aspiring nurses.

Don't overlook Fort Bragg. I almost did, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

The job market for nurses in Fort Bragg is robust, with a significant demand projected over the next few years. As the military presence contributes to a constant influx of population from service members and their families, NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need an additional 150-200 nurses in the area to address the growing healthcare needs, especially within specialty areas like trauma, emergency care, and pediatrics, given the proximity to military facilities. Currently, the number of employed nurses in Fort Bragg is estimated to be around 1,500, however, gaining a clearer understanding of the per diem and travel nursing landscape reveals that Fort Bragg hosts numerous travel nursing opportunities, particularly during the summer months when staffing needs rise for hospitals and clinics catering to military and civilian populations. Our city is well-supported by five major hospitals, including Womack Army Medical Center, and numerous clinics that consistently seek qualified nursing staff. For those considering nearby cities like Fayetteville, which is slightly larger and offers additional job opportunities, the average hourly wage is competitive at $31.19, though the lifestyle leans more urban compared to the community-oriented vibe in Fort Bragg.

Fort Bragg’s healthcare infrastructure is vast and continuously evolving, with a mix of cutting-edge facilities and approachable community healthcare centers. In recent years, there has been a significant investment in expanding our local hospitals and clinics, particularly those offering specialized care, such as mental health services and rehabilitative care, to meet the needs of our veteran population and other residents. As Fort Bragg boasts a population of over 200,000 when including the surrounding military families, healthcare initiatives focused on mental health and injury recovery have gained considerable attention, thereby increasing the demand for nurses in these specialized fields. The local lifestyle is characterized by a friendly, small-town charm blended with the pulse of military life, offering a unique backdrop to our daily lives as healthcare professionals. As nursing professionals, it’s essential that we stay informed about the developing healthcare landscape, and I encourage both current and prospective nurses to explore opportunities through NurseRecruiter—where you can discover job matches tailored to our thriving community while allowing employers to connect with local candidates who are passionate about serving here in Fort Bragg.