Heal in the Heart of Kennewick!

As a proud resident of Kennewick, Washington, I can tell you that our nursing job market thrives in the heart of the Tri-Cities—an area known for its sunny weather, beautiful riverfront, and rich agricultural land. While our city may not have the same loud reputation as Seattle or Spokane, we have an increasingly robust healthcare system that beckons nurses from far and wide. The average salary for registered nurses here in Kennewick ranges from around $34.50 to $45.00 an hour, translating to an annual salary between $71,760 and $93,600. This is quite competitive compared to the Washington state average of $40.46 per hour and the national average of $37.63 per hour observed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The overall cost of living here is reasonable compared to larger cities, allowing us to enjoy our jobs while also experiencing a fulfilling lifestyle, complete with a nice blend of outdoor activities and cultural happenings, like the annual Balloon Festival and the local wineries that dot the landscape.

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

Looking at the job market, we're witnessing a steady growth in demand for nursing professionals. Over the next few years, NurseRecruiter estimates that Kennewick will need approximately 200 new nurses to meet the demands of our growing population, which is projected to hit around 84,200 by 2025. Currently, there are about 1,800 registered nurses employed in Kennewick, providing a solid foundation of care across our major hospitals, such as Trios Health and Lourdes Health Network, along with various outpatient clinics. Travel nursing is indeed gaining traction here, especially during peak seasons like summer, when tourism peaks and our facilities are at their busiest. Meanwhile, the per diem nursing market is vibrant and provides flexibility for nurses seeking work that suits their schedules. Compared to nearby Richland and Pasco, our neighboring cities, which may offer slightly higher average salaries but come with a higher living cost, Kennewick stands out for its balance between remuneration and quality of life.

What truly enriches our community’s healthcare landscape is the investment in infrastructure, including the development of new healthcare facilities such as urgent care clinics and specialty centers that expand nursing roles—particularly for those focused on pediatrics, geriatrics, and chronic care management. As for our quality of life, Kennewick offers a beautiful mix of outdoor adventures along the Columbia River, vibrant local festivals, and a tight-knit community that genuinely cares for one another. Our population is steadily growing, currently around 84,200, with estimates suggesting that we could reach a significant milestone driven by family-friendly amenities and recreational opportunities. Notable public health initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and promoting wellness keep our local nurses engaged in delivering essential services. I encourage both current and aspiring nursing professionals to consider this thriving city—after all, there's a fulfilling career in nursing waiting for you here in Kennewick. For those searching for local job openings or for employers looking to recruit talented staff, signing up for NurseRecruiter could be your next step forward in this rewarding journey.