Settled along the Kern River between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Bakersfield is among the top 10 largest cities in California, with one of the fastest-growing populations in the state. Bakersfield has an interesting and eclectic history. In addition to its deep agricultural roots, the city is also known for the Bakersfield Sound — a subgenre of country music that became a global phenomenon. Bakersfield also boasts a strong healthcare industry and a thriving social and academic scene, with a regionally ranked state university.
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Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Bakersfield, CA
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Bakersfield, CA
There are 413,381 people who live in Bakersfield, which is the county seat for Kern County, with an overall population of 913,820. A majority of residents (53.6%) identify as Hispanic or Latino, while 46.9% identify as White, 20.6% as two or more races, 7.8% as Asian, 6.1% as Black, and 1.3% as Native American. With such a diverse patient base in this community, any training or experience you have in culturally congruent care will serve you well.
Bakersfield’s residents have a median age of 31.5, notably lower than the national median age of 38.5. In fact, residents who are under 18 years of age constitute an impressive 29.6% of the population. That said, there are still plenty of opportunities to work in long-term care, as 10.8% of residents are 65 or older.
With its growing population, Bakersfield hosts a number of career opportunities for nursing professionals in the following roles:
Are you looking for nursing jobs beyond just the Bakersfield area? Consider expanding your job search to these other sought-after locations in the Golden State:
Working in Bakersfield
As a nursing professional, you’ll be happy to hear that the healthcare industry — including healthcare support and home health roles — is the largest source of jobs in Bakersfield. It’s easy to see why, as there are a number of hospitals and healthcare networks throughout the region, including:
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in post-acute or skilled nursing care, or have skills or training in geriatric behavioral health, there are a number of highly rated post-acute facilities with nursing jobs in Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding areas.
Looking to serve the wider community? Explore nursing career opportunities with the Kern County Public Health Department, where you can support a number of healthy community programs. Or consider a nursing position in student health services at California State University, Bakersfield.
Have an interest in working as a military nurse? If so, less than an hour drive from Bakersfield is Edwards Air Force Base, home to the Air Force Test Pilot School.
Wherever you end up working, you’ll be happy to hear that the average one-way commute time in Bakersfield of 22.6 minutes is shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes. This may be why most residents (81.2%) drive their own car to work, although 11.5% carpool and 1% use mass transit.
If you have young children or pets at home, there are dozens of trusted childcare options and pet care providers who can lend a hand while you care for your patients.
Living in Bakersfield
Bakersfield has an active community, with plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the year. If you like sports, catch the local CSUB Roadrunners compete in exciting D1-level matchups, or have a fun game of softball with friends at the North Rosedale fields. Are you drawn to the outdoors? Spend your free time coasting along the Kern River Bike Trail Park, then wind down with a fun open-air concert at the Dignity Health Amphitheater near the River Walk.
If you’re into the local arts scene, the Bakersfield Museum of Art hosts a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year including an Italian Street Painting Festival and after-hours art experiences. Dive deeper into the area’s history by spending a weekend at the Kern County Museum, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science, or Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, where you can tap into the city’s renowned musical lineage.
Bakersfield can have hot summers and cool winters, with temperatures ranging from 41 degrees to 99 degrees throughout the year. Summers in the city can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 105 degrees. While winter temperatures can dip down to 30 degrees, there is minimal rainfall during the winter months, making it possible to enjoy lots of outdoor activities even in the cooler months. The best time to explore Bakersfield is in October, April, and May, when you can expect comfortable temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees.
Bakersfield’s cost of living is another great incentive to live and work in the city, as it is slightly lower than the U.S. average and 33.4% lower than the California average. The typical home in Bakersfield costs $349,300, which, although slightly higher than the national average ($338,100), is still 52.4% less expensive than an average California home ($733,500). Renters can expect an average two-bedroom unit cost of $1,390 per month, also significantly lower than the state average of $2,150 per month.
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