Nursing is a highly competitive and rigorously demanding profession, attracting a multitude of aspirants. Nevertheless, nursing jobs are ubiquitous, spanning the breadth of the United States. Opportunities as a nurseApply for nursing jobs can be found in nearly every corner of the world, including the United States. Some cities, though, offer more prospects than others.
For nurses and aspiring nurses wondering which cities offer the best prospects, we have identified the top five cities for nursing jobs based on factors like average salary, cost of living, job availability, and nursing jobs per capita.
Our ranking is based on data from sources like NumbeoNumbeo’s Home Page and GlassdoorGlassdoor’s Home Page. By looking at average nursing salaries, population stats, average rent, current job openings, and nursing job density, we ranked cities on their overall suitability for building a nursing career.
Below are the top five US cities that our data analysis found to be exceptionally promising for nurses and nursing professionals.
Top 5 Cities for Nursing Jobs
#5. Boston, Massachusetts – Index Score 2.16
Boston, Massachusetts, secures the fifth spot as a prominent healthcare hub. The city is renowned for healthcare giants like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, making it an attractive destination for nursing careers.
Key Statistics for Boston:
- Population: 692,600
- Average Salary: $99,950.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 4.8
- Average Rent per Month: $2,500.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 83,120
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 4.02
With a total score of 2.16, Boston stands out as a city to strongly consider when aspiring to pursue a fulfilling nursing career.
#4. Chicago, Illinois – Index Score 2.26
Chicago, Illinois, is a significant healthcare hub in the Midwest, with a range of healthcare facilities and opportunities for nursing professionals.
Key Statistics for Chicago:
- Population: 2,693,976
- Average Salary: $81,300.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.1
- Average Rent per Month: $1,800.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 95,000
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 3.5
With a total score of 2.26, Chicago shines as an attracting destination for nursing professionals.
#3. Houston, Texas – Index Score 2.36
Houston, Texas, is a city with a growing demand for nursing professionals. While specific index scores are not provided, Houston offers various nursing opportunities.
Key Statistics for Houston:
- Population: 2,320,268
- Average Salary: $83,890.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.6
- Average Rent per Month: $1,750.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 70,000
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 3.02
Houston, with a score of 2.36, emerges as a promising city for nursing careers.
#2. Los Angeles, California – Index Score 2.49
Los Angeles, California, takes the second spot on our list of top cities to assume a role as a nurse. With healthcare organizations like UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles offers a fantastic environment for nursing careers.
Key Statistics for Los Angeles:
- Population: 3,898,747
- Average Salary: $116,110.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 4.6
- Average Rent per Month: $2,300.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 140,229
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 3.6
Los Angeles, with a score of 2.49, stands out as an exceedingly attractive destination for nursing professionals.
#1. New York City 2.97
New York City is a thriving hub for nursing professionals, with renowned healthcare institutions like New York-Presbyterian Hospital and NYU Langone Health. It offers numerous career opportunities in nursing.
Key Statistics for New York City:
- Population: 8,419,316
- Average Salary: $97,320.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.2
- Average Rent per Month: $2,800.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 200,567
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 4.3
New York City, with a remarkable score of 2.97, unquestionably reigns as a top destination for nursing professionals seeking a truly fulfilling career.
5 Most Challenging Cities for Nursing Careers
#5. Mobile, Alabama – Index Score 1.33
Mobile, Alabama, struggles to provide a thriving nursing job market with limited job prospects and competitive compensation for nursing professionals.
Key Statistics for Mobile:
- Population: 189,572
- Average Salary: $58,050.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 6.08
- Average Rent per Month: $1,200.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 3,990
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 21.02
#4. Hilo, Hawaii – Index Score 1.29
Hilo, Hawaii’s nursing job market is constrained, offering fewer opportunities for nurses in the city.
Key Statistics for Hilo:
- Population: 43,263
- Average Salary: $76,580.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 6.11
- Average Rent per Month: $1,400.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 680
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 15.74
#3. Rapid City, South Dakota – Index Score 1.27
Rapid City, South Dakota, ranks low in nursing job availability and overall compensation, resulting in a less favorable environment for nursing professionals.
Key Statistics for Rapid City:
- Population: 77,503
- Average Salary: $56,570.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.93
- Average Rent per Month: $950.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 1,470
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 18.98
#2. Jackson, Mississippi – Index Score 1.25
Jackson, Mississippi, faces challenges in providing ample nursing job opportunities and competitive pay, resulting in a less favorable environment for nursing careers.
Key Statistics for Jackson:
- Population: 160,628
- Average Salary: $56,650.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.91
- Average Rent per Month: $1,100.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 3,280
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 20.42
#1. Shreveport, Louisiana – Index Score 1.18
Shreveport, Louisiana, lags behind in nursing job prospects and pay, making it less attractive for nurses seeking career opportunities.
Key Statistics for Shreveport:
- Population: 192,036
- Average Salary: $58,670.00
- Average Patient per Nurse: 5.88
- Average Rent per Month: $1,100.00
- Number of Nursing Jobs: 3,260
- Nursing Jobs per Person: 16.98
In Summary
While New York City undoubtedly offers the highest number of nursing job opportunities among US cities, several critical factors warrant consideration. These factors encompass not only the quantity of job openings but also metrics such as the average monthly salary and the cost of living.
On the other hand, cities like Houston may not boast the same abundance of nursing job opportunities, but the overall cost of living might make it a more appealing choice for some individuals within the profession. In the end, the right city for your nursing career hinges on a complex interplay of variables, and this analysis aims to shed light on those variables to help you make an informed decision.
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