Nursing is a fulfilling and well-compensated career path. For registered nurses (RNs) looking to maximize their earning potential, there certain cities that offer the highest paying nursing jobs in Illinois.
This article will explore the 20 top-paying metropolitan areas in Illinois for nursing jobs, providing key statistics and background on each location.
Several factors influence how much a nurse can make in a given region, including demand, cost of living, types of healthcare facilities, and nurses’ education levels.
By targeting cities with the highest nursing salaries, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success in this essential healthcare profession.
Read Also: 20 High-in-Demand Jobs in Germany Without a Degree
20 Highest Paying Cities for Nursing Jobs in Illinois
The following places are the highest paying cities for nursing jobs in Illinois:
1. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
With a population of over 9.5 million, the Chicago metro area offers some of the most lucrative nursing opportunities statewide.
The average registered nurse here earns $77,260 annually, significantly higher than the national median RN salary of $75,330.
Major employers include academic medical centers like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center, as well as large community health systems.
Nurses at the higher end of the pay scale can earn above $90,000 per year. The cost of living is just slightly above the national average.
2. St. Louis, MO-IL
The St. Louis metropolitan area, which straddles the Illinois-Missouri border, provides the second-highest nursing salaries statewide at an average of $74,970 yearly.
With a lower cost of living compared to Chicago, experienced nurses earn competitive wages working for hospitals such as BJC HealthCare and Mercy Health system.
Critical care nurses here can make upward of $80,000 annually.
3. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
This metro region along Illinois’ western border boasts the third highest nursing pay scale statewide, with an average annual salary of $68,550.
Major employers include Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Health, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The lower cost of living allows nurses’ above-average earnings to stretch further.
4. Peoria, IL
With major hospitals including OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health, Peoria offers generous nursing salaries averaging $66,030 per year.
The relatively low cost of living coupled with Peoria’s vibrant arts scene makes the city appealing to nurses seeking both competitive earnings and a high quality of life.
5. Springfield, IL
As the state capital and home to Memorial Medical Center, Springfield provides plentiful nursing opportunities at an average salary of $65,120 annually.
This salary goes a long way in Springfield’s very affordable Midwestern housing market.
6. Bloomington, IL
Home to State Farm Insurance and Illinois State University, Bloomington offers nurses average annual earnings of $64,440.
The low cost of living and proximity to the scenic Lake Bloomington area provide good value for nursing professionals.
7. Champaign-Urbana, IL
These twin cities in East Central Illinois offer nurses an average annual salary of $63,550.
As home to the University of Illinois’ flagship campus, Champaign and Urbana provide excellent cultural amenities that enhance quality of life.
8. Decatur, IL
Decatur’s average nursing wages of $62,940 allow earnings to stretch comfortably in this small city with a low cost of living.
The Decatur Memorial Hospital system is a major employer seeking to attract exceptional nursing talent.
9. Kankakee, IL
The small metro area of Kankakee offers nurses a typical annual earnings of $62,510.
The metro area provides a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, allowing wages to go further. Riverside Healthcare is the largest employer of nurses.
10. Danville, IL
With average nursing salaries of $60,220 per year, Danville allows registered nurses to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in this small Illinois town.
Danville boasts a charming historic downtown district full of shops and eateries.
11. Ottawa – Streator, IL
This rural region southwest of Chicago provides ample nursing opportunities with average annual salaries of $58,410.
Major employers include OSF HealthCare and Perry Memorial Hospital. Nurses enjoy proximity to scenic Starved Rock State Park.
12. Galesburg, IL
In Western Illinois, Galesburg offers registered nurses an average annual earnings of $57,960.
The low cost of living coupled with the charming small-town quality of life make this a hidden gem for nursing professionals.
13. Quincy, IL
Home to gemutlich German culture and architecture, Quincy provides nurses average salary of $57,340.
Blessing Hospital is the largest employer, set along the tranquil Mississippi River.
14. Bloomington – Normal, IL
This twin city region in Central Illinois offers nurses an average earnings of $56,530 per year.
Major employers include Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and OSF HealthCare. Nurses can enjoy cultural perks from Illinois State University.
15. Rochelle, IL
Located along the Lincoln Highway corridor, Rochelle offers nurses typical annual salaries of $56,160.
The small-town charm makes this a nice option for those seeking a comfortable, quiet lifestyle.
16. Jacksonville, IL
In West Central Illinois, Jacksonville provides nurses average earnings of $55,460.
Passavant Area Hospital is the largest employer, with openings for RNs in diverse specialties. The low cost of living enhances nurses’ buying power.
17. Pontiac, IL
Pontiac boasts charming downtown living and average annual nursing salaries of $54,110.
Nearby Dwight Correctional Center provides ample openings for qualified registered nurses seeking a new opportunity.
18. Sterling – Dixon, IL
This scenic region in Northern Illinois offers nurses typical yearly earnings of $52,970.
The area provides proximity to nature, with the Rock River flowing through lush parks. CGH Medical Center is a major employer.
19. Centralia – Salem, IL
Nurses earn $52,410 on average in this quiet, rural area with a low cost of living.
The region’s major employer, Salem Township Hospital, offers RNs ample opportunities to develop their careers.
20. Effingham, IL
Located along Interstate 57, Effingham provides nurses average annual pay of $51,850.
HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital is the largest employer with a range of nursing job openings. Nurses benefit from the proximity to Lake Sara.
Conclusion
For registered nurses, few states offer the diversity of job options, competitive salaries, and high quality of life found in Illinois.
From bustling Chicago to quaint small towns, nurses across the state earn above-average incomes while making a difference in their local communities.
Whether providing expert care in state-of-the-art Chicago hospitals or serving as a trusted community nurse in rural Illinois, registered nurses find rewarding career paths that enable comfortable lifestyles.
By targeting cities with the highest nursing salaries and most ample job openings, Illinois provides a springboard for fulfilling, lucrative nursing careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chicago metropolitan area offers the highest average nursing salaries in the state, at over $77,000 annually.
Major hospitals and ample job opportunities make Chicago a top-paying hub for nurses.
In general, larger metropolitan areas in Northern and Central Illinois tend to offer the highest nursing salaries statewide.
Cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Davenport, Peoria, and Springfield top the list.
As of 2022, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Illinois is $75,330.
Salaries vary by location, with cities like Chicago and St. Louis offering well over $75,000 on average.
Specialties like certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse practitioner (NP), and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) offer the highest nursing salaries.
Experience in settings like critical care also commands top dollar.
Yes, Illinois offers abundant nursing job openings throughout the state and salaries above the national median pay.
New nurses can readily find openings in diverse healthcare settings.