Discover the Thriving Nursing Job Market in Great Lakes, Illinois: Competitive Salaries, Growth Opportunities, and a Unique Community Experience by Lake Michigan
Here in Great Lakes, Illinois, an area nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, we hold a distinct nursing job market. With the charm of our vibrant community comes a competitive landscape for nursing professionals. Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses across the U.S. earn a mean annual wage of approximately $82,750 while those in Illinois average around $79,150. For us in Great Lakes, I estimate the salary range for nurses to hover between $76,000 and $85,000 annually. This takes into account both local healthcare costs and demand. The city's blend of beautiful parks, historic sites, and its proximity to the bustling city of Chicago enrich our lifestyle and nursing experience, making Great Lakes a unique place to live and work. In contrast to neighboring cities such as Waukegan or North Chicago, we enjoy a quieter pace of living while being part of a larger metropolitan area that influences our job market.
The nursing job market in Great Lakes is positioning itself for growth, with an ongoing rise in demand for nursing professionals. NurseRecruiter estimates that over the next five years, we will need approximately 300 new nurses to meet our community's healthcare demands. Currently, there are around 1,600 registered nurses employed in the Great Lakes area, contributing to the overall healthcare landscape of around five major hospitals and numerous clinics. Travel nursing opportunities are moderate here, especially during peak seasons such as summer when tourist numbers in the nearby areas surge. Per diem jobs also exist but remain limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Comparing us to nearby cities like Kenosha or Elgin, we find that salaries in Great Lakes are competitive but may be slightly lower than those in the heart of Chicago, where opportunities and salaries are higher, reflecting the city’s cost of living and rapid pace.
Our local healthcare infrastructure is robust, providing ample employment opportunities for various nursing specialties, especially in areas like pediatrics, critical care, and geriatrics, which are in high demand. Recent developments, such as investments in healthcare facilities and programs that emphasize accessible healthcare services, are paving the way for future growth. As a community of around 18,000 residents, with a steady growth rate of about 1% annually, we are committed to enhancing public health initiatives, which necessitate well-trained nursing professionals. This is a great place not only to build a career but also to engage with our community while enjoying an array of cultural, recreational, and historical attractions. For current nurses looking for local job opportunities, I would encourage a visit to NurseRecruiter, a platform that connects you to job matches focused on our area, while employers can leverage the platform to find the right local candidates. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or just starting your journey, Great Lakes offers a welcoming environment for those who choose to serve.
