Nursing Opportunities by the Lake Awaits You

Here in Lakewood, Washington, our city is a vibrant hub nestled near the shores of beautiful Puget Sound, surrounded by lush forests and the majestic Mount Rainier. The nursing job market here is flourishing, offering local professionals numerous opportunities to thrive in their careers. Based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for registered nurses in Washington is approximately $42.50, translating to an annual salary of around $88,500. In comparison, nurses across the nation earn an average of $39.50 per hour, which equates to about $82,500 annually. Within Lakewood, we can estimate that salaries range from $40 to $45 an hour, depending on experience and specialty, reflecting both the demand for healthcare professionals and the cost of living in the area. What makes our city particularly appealing is not just the job market, but also the lifestyle. As a point of cultural pride, we enjoy close access to outdoor activities, diverse communities, and notable landmarks like Fort Steilacoom Park.

I came to Lakewood not knowing what to expect. Turns out, it was the right move.

Analyzing the current landscape of the nursing job market in Lakewood, we see a robust demand that continues to grow. There is an estimated need for around 150 new nurses over the next five years to meet the healthcare requirements of our growing population. Currently, NurseRecruiter estimates that we have over 600 registered nurses actively employed within the city, working across various healthcare facilities. When examining the trends, traveling nurses are increasingly flocking to our city, especially during the winter months when local facilities see spikes in patient intake due to respiratory illnesses. Meanwhile, the per diem nursing market is steadily taking shape, with at least 30 positions available at any given time. Our city is home to several major healthcare employers, including St. Clare Hospital and MultiCare's Tacoma General, which cater to a wide range of medical needs. When comparing Lakewood to nearby cities like Tacoma and Puyallup, we find that while Tacoma offers a slightly higher average salary for nurses, Lakewood’s cost of living remains lower, making it a competitive choice for professionals seeking balance and community.

As we dive deeper into Lakewood’s healthcare infrastructure, it is evident that our city is well-equipped with numerous facilities that specialize in a variety of care, from rehabilitation centers to urgent care clinics. The recent investments in community health initiatives and the upcoming expansion of St. Clare Hospital are expected to create numerous new roles specifically in specialties such as geriatrics and mental health. With a current population of approximately 60,000, Lakewood has seen steady growth and is projected to grow by about 5% over the next five years. Public health initiatives, including vaccination programs and wellness checks, are actively involving our nursing workforce to improve community health outcomes. Living in Lakewood means embracing a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, combined with ample cultural activities and green spaces. It is an exciting time to be a nursing professional here, whether you are local or considering travel assignments. I wholeheartedly invite my fellow nurses to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore job opportunities and connect with local employers who are eager to find dedicated nursing talent in our vibrant city.