Salem is a cozy, walkable city with a rich maritime history, a world-class art and culture museum, and beautiful historic homes to admire. Plus, there's the spooky Witch House, marking its unique history. For nurses eager to advance in their careers, Salem's strategic location near Boston and other cities in Essex County opens up a world of possibilities. If you're in the market for nursing jobs in Salem, MA, keep reading to get the lowdown on what this area offers.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Salem, MA
- Is Massachusetts a compact state? No.
- What do RNs earn in Salem? The average salary for RNs in the Boston area is $106,980 a year, markedly higher than the national average RN salary of $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Massachusetts? Explore the Massachusetts Board of Nursing website to find answers to your questions regarding license renewal, verification, and more. Our step-by-step guide to renewing a nursing license in Massachusetts can help you out, too.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Salem, MA
Despite its modest population of 44,000, Salem holds many opportunities. As part of Essex County, which is home to over 580,000 people, this city has no shortage of patients needing care.
Looking for job options? You can work full time, part time, or even per diem in Salem. Whether you're looking for positions in hospitals, home care agencies, or private clinics, there are opportunities for qualified RNs, CNAs, and LPNs, just like you.
What will your patient population look like? The residents in this county have a life expectancy of 80.2 years, exceeding the national average of 77.5 years. The median age in Salem is 37.6, slightly younger than the national median age of 38. About 16.6% of residents are 65 or older, and over 8.1% have a disability.
Be sure to make cultural competence a priority as you work with the diverse patient base in Salem. Here's a glimpse at the communities you'll serve:
- 71.8% White
- 17.6% Hispanic or Latino
- 4.9% Black
- 2.5% Asian
- 2.6% identify with two or more races
- 0.4% claim other race
- 0.2% Native American
Learning another language may come in handy for those considering a move to Salem. More than a fifth of the population — 21.64% — speaks languages other than English, with Spanish being the most prevalent, spoken by 12.47%
Working in Salem, MA
In Salem, healthcare and social assistance are key industries, employing 15.3% of residents. With a projected economic growth of 36.3% over the next decade — higher than the national average of 33.5% — job prospects are promising. However, the city's unemployment rate stands at 7.1%, above the national average.
You'll discover job opportunities in reputable hospitals, research institutions, specialty clinics, and healthcare startups. The top healthcare institutions within a 15-mile radius of the city include:
- Salem Hospital
- Beverly Hospital-Massachusetts
- Melrose-Wakefield Hospital
- Winchester Hospital
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Franciscan Children Hospital
Don't forget to explore teaching careers when searching for nurse jobs in Salem, MA. With over 60 educational institutions within a 25-mile radius, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore.
Not interested in teaching or inpatient nursing? No problem! You can also find a wide variety of nursing jobs in nursing homes and specialty clinics. Interested in public health? The Salem City Health Department offers a variety of nursing services, including immunizations and health screenings.
Wondering how long you’ll spend traveling to work each day? On average, a one-way trip to work in Salem takes 30.3 minutes — that’s almost 4 minutes longer than the national average. While 65.8% of the city’s residents drive to work solo, 10.3% use public transportation, 7.1% carpool, and 5.9% work remotely.
Need someone to care for your loved ones while you’re at work? The city has multiple childcare centers and pet sitters in the area, giving you peace of mind while you’re working. For those on a tight budget, Salem Community Child Care center provides affordable program options.
Living in Salem, MA
Salem offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. You can enjoy a walk by the scenic Salem Harbor, spend a day at the beach, walk the trails in Salem Woods, or have a relaxing family picnic in one of the city’s parks. And if you're into sports, you can join local leagues for basketball, soccer, hockey, or softball.
Salem is a hub of arts and culture with a unique blend of history, contemporary creativity, and a dash of spookiness. Explore the Peabody Essex Museum, Punto Urban Art Museum, and the Salem Witch Museum, where you can view maritime treasures, arts, and learn about the infamous witch trials.
Salem's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Along the charming streets, you'll find seafood joints, Latin American and Mexican spots, and classic American diners. Don't miss out on iconic New England dishes like clam chowder and lobster rolls — it's a must for any visit to Salem.
Those who enjoy changing seasons will feel right at home in Salem's climate. The summers are warm, while the winters are very cold, snowy, and windy. Temperatures tend to fluctuate between 22 and 81 degrees throughout the year, and you can expect some partly cloudy skies year-round.
For all it offers, Salem is an expensive city to live in. The cost of living here is 31.5% higher than the national average. A typical home costs $505,900, and the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,190 per month.
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