Peoria, Illinois: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Boasting Competitive Salaries and Growing Opportunities Amidst Community Charm and Healthcare Innovation
Here in Peoria, Illinois, nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, we boast a vibrant nursing job market that reflects both the charm of our community and the unfolding landscape of healthcare. Surrounded by stunning parks like the famed Glen Oak Park and historical sites such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum, our city is not just about natural beauty; it’s a hub of healthcare opportunity. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Illinois is approximately $75,550, with a mean hourly wage of about $37.22. For Peoria specifically, we can estimate that nurses earn between $34.00 and $41.00 hourly, influenced by our city’s mix of educational and practical healthcare facilities. Peoria’s proximity to other major cities like Chicago and Springfield adds to the competitive nature of our job market, even though our lower cost of living can make working here appealing.
The Peoria nursing job market is robust, with demand projected to grow significantly in the next few years. NurseRecruiter estimates that with our population of around 114,000, we have roughly 2,450 registered nurses currently employed, along with an increasing number of advanced practice nurses to fill the needs of our health systems. Within the next five years, we may require approximately 500 more nurses due to the aging population and rising chronic health conditions. Seasonal trends do affect travel nursing in our area with peak demands surfacing during the summer months, especially as various regional healthcare facilities ramp up for larger patient volumes. Peoria has several healthcare facilities, including UnityPoint Health - Methodist, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and numerous outpatient clinics, making us a vital player in the healthcare network. In contrast, cities like Bloomington and Champaign, which are a short drive away, tend to offer slightly higher salaries but might lack the same community feel in their nursing environments.
Our healthcare landscape is indeed evolving, with ongoing investments enhancing our facilities and outreach programs. Peoria's commitment to public health initiatives such as vaccination drives and community health assessments highlights our proactive approach to addressing local health needs. With a population expected to grow steadily, the demand for various nursing specialties, such as geriatric and mental health nursing, is intensifying, further driving job opportunities. As local residents, we take pride in a community that not only offers a dynamic lifestyle with vibrant arts and cultural scenes but also positions nursing as an essential career path. For both those already living here and prospective nursing professionals eyeing our city, I encourage you to check out NurseRecruiter, whether you’re on the lookout for local job matches or if you're an employer seeking talented nurses. Together, let’s build a healthier Peoria.
