Belleville, Illinois: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Careers with Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and Robust Healthcare Infrastructure
Here in Belleville, Illinois, our vibrant city not only boasts historical landmarks and a close-knit community but also offers a promising nursing job market. With beautiful attractions like the Belleville Historical Society Museum and the nearby Cahokia Mounds, we enjoy a quality lifestyle enriched by culture. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Illinois earn a mean hourly wage of approximately $35.67, with annual earnings around $74,200. In Belleville specifically, NurseRecruiter estimates that salaries may range from $30.00 to $38.00 per hour, which is competitive compared to nearby St. Louis, where wages tend to be slightly higher at $36.50 to $45.00 per hour due to the larger healthcare market. Here in our city, the nursing job sector is supported by the impressive presence of healthcare facilities, including Memorial Hospital and multiple clinics, contributing to a solid foundation for nursing careers.
Diving deeper into the job market, Belleville shows robust growth potential. Current estimates suggest we need around 200 new nurses over the next five years to meet the increasing demands driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare facilities. The existing nurse workforce in our city is estimated at around 1,200, reflecting a healthy demand-supply balance. The travel nursing sector has also seen a rise here, especially during peak seasons, typically in the summer, aligning with staffing needs during vacation months. Additionally, per diem roles are prevalent, providing flexibility for nurses looking to supplement their income—there are approximately 150 per diem nursing opportunities scattered across our local healthcare landscape. When compared to nearby cities like O’Fallon or Swansea, Belleville offers slightly lower average salaries but a greater number of healthcare facilities, enhancing job availability for nurses. O’Fallon, for instance, tends to have a smaller employment pool but remains high in demand due to its rapid growth, making it an intriguing option for those considering alternatives.
As we consider the healthcare infrastructure in Belleville, it's notable that we host five major hospitals and numerous outpatient centers, with specialties ranging from urgent care to pediatrics. Recent investments in healthcare, including technological upgrades and expansions at local hospitals, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing patient care and nursing services in the region. Belleville has a growing population of approximately 40,000, and with recent trends indicating a consistent growth rate, the need for healthcare services will likely increase. Moreover, local public health initiatives focusing on preventative care highlight the evolving nursing roles in our community. With its friendly atmosphere, affordability, and an aspiring nursing market, Belleville presents an attractive opportunity for current and prospective nursing professionals. If you’re interested in exploring local job matches, I highly encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where employers in our community also utilize the platform to find talented candidates to join our healthcare efforts.