Nursing Careers Flourish in Jacksonville's Heart

Here in Jacksonville, North Carolina, a city rich in military history and a gateway to the beautiful coastal waters, our nursing job market is as vibrant as our community. With a population nearing 70,000, we boast an impressive array of healthcare facilities, from major hospitals to urgent care clinics and specialty centers. As a local nurse, I can tell you there’s no shortage of opportunities here, especially given the proximity to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. BLS data shows the median annual salary for registered nurses in North Carolina is approximately $68,500, which translates to about $32.92 per hour. In Jacksonville specifically, the estimated salary range for nurses is somewhat similar, landing between $28.00 to $34.00 per hour, depending on the experience and specific roles, reflecting a bit of the lower-cost living we enjoy here compared to larger cities and surrounding areas. If we look to nearby Wilmington, the nursing salaries rise to an average of $75,000 annually, illustrating the contrast that can exist even within short drives.

I found exactly what I was looking for in Jacksonville. Good hospitals, good people.

The robustness of our nursing job market here is marked by a consistently strong demand for healthcare professionals. With around 3,200 registered nurses currently employed in Jacksonville, we anticipate needing around 500 new nurses in the next several years to meet both retirements and healthcare service expansions. The healthcare landscape includes St. Peter's Hospital, Onslow Memorial Hospital, and several outpatient clinics, all of which are major employers in the region. While Jacksonville may not be a hotspot for travel nursing in comparison to places like Raleigh, we do see a fair number of travel nursing positions sought after, particularly during the summer months when local demand spikes alongside the tourist influx. The per diem nursing sector is steadily gaining traction, allowing nurses flexibility in their schedules while filling critical gaps. In nearby cities like New Bern and Wilmington, nurses enjoy slightly higher pay scales, but communities here in Jacksonville offer a unique lifestyle that combines military culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities.

Our city’s healthcare infrastructure continues to grow, with recent expansions and investments aimed at improving facilities and services to better care for the ever-increasing population. Public health initiatives, such as those targeting substance abuse and mental health, are at the forefront of our community’s efforts, leading to increased specialization opportunities for nurses. As we welcome newcomers and build upon our existing community, the lifestyle here is steeped in camaraderie and the spirit of service. We are surrounded by beautiful parks, lovely eateries, and a passionate community ready to rally around healthcare initiatives. Jacksonville is projected to see a modest population growth, adding to our potential patient base. For those considering a nursing career or looking for opportunities in this tight-knit community, I invite you to explore possibilities with NurseRecruiter, where divining local job matches is just a click away. For employers here, leveraging NurseRecruiter can streamline your search for local nursing talent, ensuring our city is amply staffed with dedicated health professionals ready to care for our residents.