Longview, Washington: A Rising Nursing Job Market Amid Natural Beauty and Community Growth
As a longtime resident of Longview, Washington, I have a deep appreciation for our city’s vibrant community and the evolving landscape of our nursing job market. Nestled between the majestic Mount St. Helens and the lush Columbia River, Longview offers stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Currently, the average salary for a registered nurse here ranges from $35.00 to $45.00 per hour, translating to an annual salary of approximately $73,000 to $94,000. In comparison, Washington state boasts an average of $42.00 per hour, or about $87,000 annually, while the national average stands at $38.00 per hour, roughly $79,000 annually. This lesser-known gem of a city also features notable landmarks like the iconic Longview Fiber Tower and the scenic Lake Sacajawea, making our locale not just a place to work, but also a place to enjoy life.
Diving into the current job market for nursing in Longview, we see a robust demand driven by both population growth and expanding healthcare needs. With an existing workforce of approximately 2,300 registered nurses and an expected need for roughly 300 new nurses over the next three to five years, the opportunities for both full-time and part-time positions are promising. Additionally, the market for travel nursing and per diem roles is thriving, particularly during the summer months when local hospitals and clinics experience higher patient volumes. Major employers include PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and the Cowlitz County Health Department, both of which frequently seek additional staff to meet community needs. When comparing Longview to nearby cities like Kelso and Woodland, salaries are relatively comparable, but we find greater job opportunities and a lower cost of living here in Longview than in larger neighboring areas like Vancouver, which has a higher saturation of nursing professionals and is often seen as a stiff competitor due to its proximity to Portland.
Investments in healthcare infrastructure have also been a major theme in our city, with recent expansions at area hospitals and innovations in telehealth paving the way for improved patient care. Longview is home to a varied healthcare ecosystem, including specialized clinics focusing on everything from pediatrics to geriatrics. As of the latest data, our city boasts a population of around 36,000 residents, with steady growth projected over the coming years, indicating an ever-increasing demand for healthcare services. Public health initiatives, such as vaccination drives and community wellness programs, further enhance the need for dedicated nursing professionals. For existing nurses and those considering a relocation to our beautiful city, there’s never been a better time to explore the abundant job opportunities here. I encourage you to sign up with NurseRecruiter, so you can easily find local job matches, while employers can also leverage the platform to connect with local talent. With the landscape of healthcare continually changing, our nursing community is positioned to thrive, and I couldn’t be prouder to call Longview my home.
