Written by: Marie Hasty, BSN, RN
Thinking about taking a nursing job in the Silicon Desert? Chandler, Arizona, is a high-tech oasis of over 280,000 people outside of Phoenix. If you’re looking for a sunny city with great culture, this could be the right place for you. Here’s everything you should know about nursing jobs in Chandler, AZ.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Chandler, AZ
- Is Arizona a compact state? Yes, you can practice with a compact nursing license in Chandler.
- What do RNs earn in Chandler? Nurses in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area earn an average income of $92,540 per year. This is close to the national average of $94,480.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Arizona? Find information about licensure, renewals, and advanced practice at the Arizona State Board of Nursing website. Need to renew soon in AZ? Use our three-step guide for nursing license renewals in Arizona.
What to Know When Looking for Nursing Jobs in Chandler, AZ
Chandler has grown from a mid-sized suburb to a thriving city in its own right. The rise of tech and manufacturing companies in this area has drawn professionals from across the country, and these residents need care from nursing professionals like you. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or NP, you’ll be able to find opportunities in post-acute and acute care.
Chandler is known for its diversity — nearly 16% of the population was born outside of the U.S. You might want to brush up on your cultural sensitivity training if you’re moving here. Here are the demographics of Chandler according to the most recent census results:
- 64.1% White
- 21.2% Hispanic or Latino
- 11.8% Asian
- 11.6% Two or more races
- 5.8% Black or African American
- 1.9% American Indian or Alaskan Native
- .2% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
Working in Chandler, AZ
Chandler was founded by Dr. A.J. Chandler in 1912 when he bought 80 acres of land in southern Arizona. He helped build the first system of canals that irrigated this stretch of desert, and soon his farm swelled to 18,000 acres. He sold off parcels and opened a town office to found the city of Chandler, which today has one of the strongest economies in the region.
Chandler is home to several large tech, manufacturing, and finance companies. The unemployment rate in this area is 5.3%, which is less than the national average of 6%. Health practitioners like nurses take home some of the highest salaries in Chandler.
If you prefer an acute care specialty, you’ll find several hospitals and medical centers in Chandler and the surrounding area. Chandler Regional has received several excellence awards and has specialty divisions in pulmonology, neurosurgery, cardiac medicine, and more. Banner Ocotillo Medical Center is one of the newest acute facilities in the area. If you’re looking for a surgical role, Arizona Specialty Hospital offers specialty surgery in several areas.
There are also several other acute care centers in the cities and towns around Chandler:
- Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (Gilbert, AZ)
- Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital (Mesa, AZ)
- Banner Desert Medical Center (Mesa, AZ)
- Banner Baywood Medical Center (Mesa, AZ)
- Banner Heart Hospital (Mesa, AZ)
- Oasis Hospital (Phoenix, AZ)
Aside from these healthcare centers, you’ll also find outpatient roles in specialty clinics and offices. There are several home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, and other specialty opportunities for nurses in Chandler.
Wondering what your commute could be like? Residents drive an average of 24.2 minutes each way to work, compared to 26.4 minutes for the average American. Valley Metro runs bus and light rail lines in the area, and the city also maintains regional bike paths.
If you’ll need childcare while you work, expect to pay an average of close to $20 per hour. The Chandlers Unified School District has been voted the #1 best in Arizona, and has 48 schools throughout the city.
Living in Chandler, AZ
Chandler offers natural beauty and a modern lifestyle. If you enjoy golfing, hiking, four-wheeling, watersports, or other recreational activities, this could be the perfect place for you. At the same time, Chandler has all the shopping, dining, and cultural experiences of a metropolitan city.
If you’re planning a weekend in Chandler, you can’t miss the Vision Gallery downtown. Here, you can view seasonal exhibitions alongside local art. Looking for performance art? See a show at the Chandler Center for the Arts. And keep an eye out for the colorful murals scattered throughout the city.
History aficionados will find museums to explore in Chandler. At the Arizona Railways Museum, you can walk through some of the earliest train cars to cross the American West. Nearby, the Chandler Museum’s impressive architecture is home to public programming and exhibitions that highlight the wonder of this area.
Want to treat yourself on your next day off? The Chandler Fashion Center is an upscale shopping mall with national retailers, restaurants, bars, and even a Ferris wheel. Downtown Chandler also boasts breweries, local retailers, and live music. Check out the farmers market on a Saturday morning, or enjoy a meal in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.
Chandler’s scenery offers more than just looks — you’ll find recreational attractions and opportunities to explore the nearby desert and mountains. The city of Chandler maintains parks and greenways that are worth exploring if you have a free afternoon. (Don’t miss the annual Chandler Family Bike Ride in April.) And if you’re interested in going further afield, take a water bottle to the San Tan or Estrella Mountain Regional Parks.
Chandler boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year — you’ll want to stock up on your sunscreen before moving here. The hot season lasts for nearly 4 months, and the average daily highs are above 97 degrees. In the cooler months, daily highs are below 73.
Residents in Chandler pay about 13% more than the rest of the nation for food, housing, transportation, and other essentials. A typical home in Chandler costs $499,800. This is nearly 48% higher than the national average of $407,400. If you plan to rent, a two-bedroom apartment costs about $2,140 per month compared to $1,430 for the U.S. average.
Looking for Nursing Jobs in Chandler, AZ?
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