Discovering Nursing Opportunities in Tulsa: A Thriving Market Within a Vibrant Community
As a proud resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, I can say our city is a vibrant tapestry of culture, opportunity, and community spirit. Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Tulsa, often known for its rich Art Deco architecture and thriving music scene, boasts a diverse healthcare landscape that is ripe with nursing opportunities. On average, registered nurses (RNs) in Tulsa can expect to earn between $29.97 and $38.53 per hour, translating to annual salaries ranging from approximately $62,200 to $80,200. While the national average for RNs hovers around $38.00 per hour ($79,000 annually) and the state of Oklahoma averages $31.59 per hour ($65,700 annually), our local salaries reflect the demand and unique cost of living here. We enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle, with plenty of local farms, shops, and eateries that add to Tulsa's charm—a quintessential blend of urban life with a close-knit community feel.
Our nursing job market here in Tulsa is constantly evolving, driven by a strong healthcare infrastructure featuring major employers such as Saint Francis Health System, Hillcrest Healthcare System, and OSU Medicine. With a projected need for approximately 1,000 new nurses over the next five years to keep pace with population growth and service demands, the nursing profession here is proving to be robust and vital. Presently, NurseRecruiter estimates that there are around 4,500 nurses actively working across Tulsa, putting us in a favorable position as we strive to meet healthcare needs. The appeal of travel nursing is notable as well, especially in spring and summer months when healthcare facilities ramp up for seasonal healthcare demands—Tulsa stands out as an inviting destination, yet we’ve seen significant competition from nearby cities like Oklahoma City and Wichita in this realm. However, the nearby opportunity is alluring, with Oklahoma City offering slightly higher pay and larger healthcare systems, while still allowing local nurses like us to benefit from the lifestyle we cherish here.
Tulsa's healthcare facilities cater to a wide range of specialties, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and behavioral health, reflecting the diverse needs of our population of over 400,000 residents and the surrounding metropolitan area. Significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, like the ongoing expansion of the Tulsa Community College Nursing Program and health tech startups, indicate a promising trajectory for our local healthcare landscape. Furthermore, public health initiatives aimed at addressing heart disease, diabetes, and mental health services have paved the way for new nursing roles that are critical in shaping community health. As we navigate through our city's vibrant culture, community events, and natural beauty—the Arkansas River and the nearby picturesque Osage Hills stand as perfect escapes—nurses in Tulsa benefit from a balanced lifestyle that offers fulfilling career paths and rich community engagement. For current and prospective nurses alike, I encourage you to explore opportunities through NurseRecruiter to find your niche in Tulsa’s thriving healthcare ecosystem. Employers can also leverage this platform to post jobs and connect with our talented local nursing workforce.
