Scranton's Healthcare Heroes: Care Starts Here!

Here in Scranton, Pennsylvania, nestled in the scenic northeastern part of the state, the nursing job market is as vibrant as the leaves that change each fall. With a population just over 76,000, our city not only boasts rich history and the distinction of being the Electric City, thanks to its pioneering role in the development of electric light and power, but it is also home to a hearty healthcare system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn from approximately $32.20 to $43.15 per hour, with the annual salary ranging from about $67,000 to $89,800. In Scranton, we can expect somewhat less than the higher end of the state’s scale, with estimates placing our average nursing salaries between $65,000 and $80,000. This is quite competitive when compared to many smaller cities across the country and even when considered against larger regional alternatives like Philadelphia, where costs of living are notably higher.

The teams I've worked with in Scranton have been some of the best in my career.

Analyzing our local nursing job market, we see a robust demand stemming from an aging population and the ongoing expansion of medical facilities in and around the Scranton area. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Pennsylvania will need an influx of over 8,000 new nurses in the next five years, to fulfill healthcare needs and replace retiring nurses. Currently, Scranton's healthcare facilities, which include major players like Geisinger Community Medical Center and Commonwealth Health, employ approximately 3,700 nurses. Travel and per diem nursing roles are also thriving here; since Scranton is relatively close to metropolitan hubs, we see a steady influx of travel nurses seeking assignments, especially during busy seasons such as summer and winter months. When we look at nearby Wilkes-Barre or Hazleton, we notice similar trends, although salaries for registered nurses tend to be slightly higher in Wilkes-Barre, creating a friendly rivalry. For those seeking opportunities, I encourage fellow professionals to register with NurseRecruiter to discover personalized job matches in our area.

Scranton's healthcare infrastructure is not just thriving; it is evolving with several recent developments aimed at expanding and modernizing facilities. Across our city, we have over five major hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics, and specialized facilities catering to various nursing specialties such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and psychiatry. Public health initiatives are also gaining traction, focusing on preventive care and community health improvement. With a population growth rate projected at 0.3% annually over the next few years, this influx into the area suggests even greater demands on our healthcare system. These factors combined not only enhance Scranton's reputation as a desirable place for nursing professionals to work but also highlight the importance of our community’s commitment to healthcare. As we embrace these changes, I invite all local nurses to stay informed and connected by signing up with NurseRecruiter, where employers can also find the talent they need to continue building our exceptional healthcare community.