Killeen's Dynamic Nursing Job Market: Opportunities, Growth, and Competitive Salaries in a Community Rooted in Military and Healthcare Service
Here in Killeen, Texas, we soak in the vibrant essence of a small but bustling city that’s deeply connected to our diverse community and military presence. Part of the central Texas region, Killeen has a unique character crafted by our proximity to Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the world. This dynamic shape our local nursing job market, providing a variety of opportunities for both civilian and military healthcare. The average salary range for nurses in Killeen is estimated to fall between $65,000 to $75,000 annually, with hourly wages ranging approximately from $30 to $35 an hour. In contrast, the national average for nursing salaries is around $77,600 a year (or roughly $37.31 an hour), with the state of Texas averaging about $75,000 yearly (or about $36.06 hourly), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These figures show that while we may not lead the state in terms of pay, the steady demand for nursing jobs reflects a community dedicated to healthcare, the armed services, and compassionate caregiving.
Our nursing job market in Killeen is thriving, bolstered by the continuous need for skilled professionals, particularly with the increased population and the growth of healthcare facilities due to military and retiree influx. Currently, estimates suggest we have around 800 registered nurses working in our city, with the growing population evidenced by the recent estimate of around 160,000 residents. Over the next several years, it is projected that we will need approximately 200 new nurses to fill positions due to retirements and expanding healthcare services. In Killeen, we also see an uptick in travel nursing, with seasonal trends peaking in late spring and summer as hospitals seek temporary staff to manage increased patient loads. The per diem nursing market adds another layer to our workforce, giving local nurses further flexibility with job opportunities in a city that houses several major healthcare facilities like Seton Medical Center Harker Heights and AdventHealth Central Texas. When compared to nearby cities like Temple and Waco, we find Killeen offers competitive salary ranges and numerous openings, though Waco may excel in higher base pay due to larger teaching hospitals.
Our healthcare infrastructure is robust, supporting not only the military population but the wider community with services like urgent care clinics, outpatient centers, and specialty practices. With healthcare investments on the rise, local organizations are focusing on enhancing facilities and expanding nursing roles, fostering divisional growth in areas like emergency care and telehealth, trends that are currently shaping our city's future. Killeen’s charm extends beyond our healthcare sectors: we take pride in our community events, rich culture, and the warm camaraderie that defines our lifestyle. With a diverse population growth forecast to keep blooming, the need for dedicated nursing professionals is only expected to rise. This is an exciting time to be a nurse in Killeen, whether you're a local or exploring travel nursing opportunities. I invite you to explore job matches through NurseRecruiter to discover nursing roles that resonate with your professional vision, while employers can also utilize the platform to connect with our outstanding local talent.
