Wausau's Growing Nursing Job Market: Discover Competitive Salaries, Expanding Opportunities, and a Vibrant Community for Healthcare Professionals
As a native of Wausau, Wisconsin, I can say there’s a unique charm to our city that extends to its nursing job market. Nestled on the banks of the Wisconsin River and surrounded by lush forests, we not only enjoy the natural beauty but also benefit from a growing healthcare landscape. As of recent data, nurses in Wausau typically earn between $29.50 to $35.25 per hour, translating to an annual salary range of approximately $61,460 to $73,320. This range is a bit more conservative compared to the national averages reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicate that registered nurses earn a mean hourly wage of around $38.74 and an annual mean salary of $80,010. However, when you consider the lower cost of living in Wausau compared to larger metropolitan areas in Wisconsin like Milwaukee or Madison, you begin to appreciate the balance we have. It’s easy to see why Wausau is becoming a desirable place for both local and traveling nursing professionals, especially with landmarks like the stunning Aspirus Wausau Hospital at our doorstep.
Analyzing the nursing job market here, we’re looking at a robust landscape defined by evolving healthcare needs. According to estimates, Wausau will see a need for approximately 320 new nurses over the next three to five years. Currently, there’s an engaged workforce of around 1,000 registered nurses in the city, which accounts for a solid saturation in our healthcare environment. However, as healthcare expands, especially with the growth in per diem and travel nursing jobs, our local market continues to evolve. We've noticed a surge in per diem nursing positions in Wausau, with companies increasingly looking for flexible staffing solutions. Additionally, seasonal trends point toward higher demand during the winter months, often due to local businesses and tourism heating up, though summer also sees activity as travelers flock here. Nearby cities like Stevens Point, Rhinelander, and Marshfield offer comparative markets, but with salaries slightly lower—averaging around $28 to $34 per hour. The facilities here, particularly Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic's Wausau Center, are some of the most prominent players in the region, facilitating our healthcare needs and creating a vibrant work environment for nurses.
As we continue our journey in Wausau, numerous developments in healthcare infrastructure are underway, which only add to the excitement for nursing professionals. With a population just over 38,000, we pride ourselves on community health initiatives that tackle everything from chronic disease management to mental health awareness, which are greatly supported by local healthcare systems. As we look toward growth projections that indicate a steady increase in our population and healthcare demands, it’s clear that Wausau is a promising landscape for nursing careers. Public health initiatives poised to expand in recent years further enhance our role as healthcare providers. As local nurses, we have opportunities that await us in this vibrant community and beyond—whether employed full-time or in per diem or travel positions. For those looking to join our ranks, I recommend signing up with NurseRecruiter to explore local job matches and discover the vast array of opportunities available in our dynamic city. Employers in Wausau can also utilize NurseRecruiter to connect with qualified candidates, ensuring our healthcare landscape continues to thrive. Together, we can foster a healthier Wausau, one nurse at a time.
