Illinois is a state in the Midwestern and Great Lakes region of the United States with a total of 1,280 towns and cities. It is the sixth largest populated state in the USA and has also the 25th largest land area. Because of their large population, the state has a great need for nurses, Chicago especially.
According to Indeed, the average Registered Nurse salary in Illinois is $92,802 per year. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the cities and other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience as a Registered Nurse.
Illinois is said to be the seventh largest number of registered nurses in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates a higher-than-average job outlook for nurses in the next ten years. With the rapid growth in this employment sector, it’s a good time and opportunity to seek a career as a nurse. Furthermore, while nursing jobs are available in all cities in Illinois, the salaries differ in the areas.
In one of our previous articles, we discussed the best states for nurses in America and their cost of living. But this time around, we have been more specific to sourcing for the highest paying cities for nursing jobs in Illinois, USA, and their average salary. Keep reading.
What Makes a City Great for Nurses?
Certain cities in Illinois stand out as great places for nurses to live and work due to a higher number of employment opportunities and larger earning potential. There is a high possibility that these cities also have a higher standard of living – knowing that cities with a higher standard of living have higher earning potential.
Another factor that helps identify a city as a good place for nurses is the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) Location Quotient figure. The BLS location quotient shows the number of positions available for a particular job (e.g., Nursing) in a particular location. The higher the number, the more professionals employed in that industry.
Top Paying Nursing Jobs in Illinois
There is plenty of job option for nurses with lucrative salaries. Here’s a list of the top-paying nursing jobs in Illinois.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
This is one of the highest-paying nursing jobs. The job entails preparing and administering anesthesia. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. Also, they ensure patients are properly sedated for the procedure they are about to have.
2. General Nurse Practitioner
As a general nurse practitioner (NP), you can have your independent practice. However, you can also bring your advanced nursing skills to a clinic run by a medical doctor or a hospital if you prefer. Usually, general NPs aren’t overly specialized. They may see patients with all kinds of conditions, which can keep the work engaging.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can be a great choice if you wish to specialize. A CNS is considered an expert in their niche, offering high-quality patient care. Also, a CNS may not only treat patients but could participate in research as well. Making the job a strong choice for anyone who wants to shape the future of medicine.
4. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP), you’d work with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals while also offering counseling and other services to patients with mental health disorders. The need for this job is on a rise in the USA.
5. Certified Nurse Midwife
This job is focused on obstetrics, childbirth, and prenatal care. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) may work in hospitals, and clinics, or could even operate their practices. The field doesn’t just focus on infant care, but also on helping pregnant women remain healthy and prepare for their upcoming birth. This is one of the high-paying nursing jobs.
6. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
This job means taking care of babies. As a Neonatal intensive care nurse, your work can be challenging, as many infants will have serious health issues. However, it is also very rewarding.
7. Pain Management Nurse
As a pain management nurse, you will help patients overcome post-operative pain or deal with chronic pain issues. Pain management nurses can identify the causes of discomfort and come up with viable treatment plans while reducing the likelihood of addiction. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and pain management clinics.
8. Family Nurse Practitioner
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) has the responsibility of consulting with patients, performing assessments, recommending treatment options, and prescribing medications.
9. Registered Nurse First Assistant
Registered nurse first assistants (RNFAs) assist surgeons in the surgery taking place. That means this role isn’t for an oversensitive person but for those who find surgical processes interesting.
10. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Gerontological nurse practitioners focus on elder care. Many older patients have needs that you won’t find in younger ones, so the role is a bit specialized. Also, the demand for certified gerontological nurse practitioners (CGNPs) grows based on the population aging, making the job very lucrative.
11. Health Policy Nurse
Health policy nurses may serve as patient advocates, participate in research, work with government organizations, or find other opportunities to implement beneficial changes.
Highest Paying Cities for Nursing Jobs in Illinois
| HIGHEST PAYING CITIES IN ILLINOIS | AVERAGE BASE SALARY |
|---|---|
| 1. Chicago | $98,452 |
| 2. Naperville | $89,399 |
| 3. Springfield | $87,070 |
| 4. Westchester | $86,943 |
| 5. Peoria | $86,621 |
| 6. Kankakee | $85,246 |
| 7. Aurora | $85,044 |
| 8. Elgin | $84,863 |
| 9. Rockford | $84,834 |
| 10. Joliet | $83,925 |
| 11. Maywood | $83,576 |
| 12. Decatur | $82,757 |
| 13. Belleville | $80,619 |
| 14. Woodstock | $79,716 |
The city of Illinois with the highest average registered nursing salary is Chicago. The Chicago area is the 6th largest metropolitan employer of registered nurses in the USA. Although, the cost of living in this area is also higher than in other parts of the state.
Following Chicago is Kankakee This is another city in the state of Illinois with an average salary above the national average for this occupation in the Kankakee-Bradley area.
Website To Find Highest Paying Cities for Nursing Jobs in Illinois
Conclusion
Nurses are not just medical professionals; they are healthcare heroes. So, if you want to be a nurse, then you should have a passion to help people which is always admirable. Nevertheless, there’s also no shame in wanting a high salary. And if you want both, exploring these highest-paying cities for nursing jobs in Illinois is a smart move.
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