The Illinois healthcare industry is thriving—and with that growth comes an urgent need for skilled professionals to fill travel nurse jobs in Illinois. Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state are actively recruiting qualified travel nurses, offering excellent pay, flexible assignments, and the chance to explore one of the most dynamic and diverse states in the country.
Why consider Illinois for your next travel nursing job?
High Demand for Travel Nurses:
Illinois is currently experiencing a surge in demand for travel nurses, fueled by an aging population, expanded healthcare access, and increased patient volumes. Whether it’s in bustling Chicago, historic Springfield, or smaller cities and rural areas, facilities are seeking experienced professionals to fill essential roles. Travel nurse jobs in Illinois are available in a wide range of specialties, providing countless opportunities to grow your career.
Competitive Salaries & Benefits:
With high demand comes competitive compensation. Travel nurse jobs in Illinois often come with pay rates that exceed those of permanent positions, along with comprehensive benefits, housing stipends, and travel reimbursements. Illinois values the expertise that travel nurses bring to their facilities—and it shows in how they’re rewarded.
Discover a Vibrant and Diverse State:
Illinois offers something for everyone. In your downtime, explore the world-class attractions of Chicago, including the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the city’s legendary deep-dish pizza. Outside the city, enjoy the peaceful charm of small towns, scenic state parks, and cultural landmarks throughout the state.
Whether you’re drawn to big-city energy or quiet countryside, travel nurse jobs in Illinois give you the freedom to experience it all while advancing your nursing career.
How much does a travel nurse make in Illinois?
Travel nurses in Illinois are well-compensated for their skills and experience. According to Vivian Health, travel nurses in Illinois earn an average of $2,217 per week. This translates to roughly $115,174 per year (based on a 52-week contract). Here’s a breakdown with concrete figures to give you a clear picture:
Understanding the Variations
It’s important to remember that $2,217 is an average, and your specific salary can vary depending on several factors:
- Experience: Nurses with more experience can command higher weekly rates. For instance, a seasoned travel nurse with critical care experience might earn closer to $2,500 per week compared to a new travel nurse starting at $2,000.
- Nursing Specialty: Certain specialties are in higher demand and typically receive higher salaries. You can find specific salary information for different specialties on websites like Travel Nurse Source.
- Location: Rates can vary depending on the specific city or region within Illinois. Hospitals in high-demand areas, like Chicago or Springfield, may offer more competitive compensation (Trusted Health provides a helpful breakdown by city).
- Travel Nurse Agency: Different agencies might have slightly different pay structures and benefits packages. It’s crucial to compare offerings before accepting a contract.
What are the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nursing jobs in Illinois?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 10 highest-paying cities in Illinois (Source: ZipRecruiter):
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Wheeling | $104,710 | $8,725 | $2,013 | $50.34 |
| Chicago | $104,263 | $8,688 | $2,005 | $50.13 |
| Clinton | $103,771 | $8,647 | $1,995 | $49.89 |
| New Lenox | $102,888 | $8,574 | $1,978 | $49.47 |
| Oak Lawn | $102,330 | $8,527 | $1,967 | $49.20 |
| Urbana | $101,783 | $8,481 | $1,957 | $48.93 |
| Riverside | $101,681 | $8,473 | $1,955 | $48.89 |
| Summit | $101,538 | $8,461 | $1,952 | $48.82 |
| Greenville | $101,465 | $8,455 | $1,951 | $48.78 |
| Champaign | $101,280 | $8,440 | $1,947 | $48.69 |
What are the top 5 best paying travel nursing jobs in Illinois?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 5 highest-paying travel nurse specialties in Illinois (Source: salary.com, ZipRecruiter):
| Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| OR RN | $103,560 | $8,630 | $2,013 | $50.33 |
| ER RN | $101,376 | $8,448 | $1,950 | $48.75 |
| ICU RN | $98,400 | $8,200 | $1,892 | $47.20 |
| NICU RN | $95,000 | $7,917 | $1,828 | $48.08 |
| PEDS RN | $92,000 | $7,667 | $1,769 | $44.23 |
*All pay information has been compiled from multiple sources to provide an estimated overview.