Joliet, Illinois: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Community Spirit Amidst Suburban Charm
Here in Joliet, Illinois, we can proudly say that our city boasts solid opportunities in the nursing job market while providing a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban amenities. Nestled about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet is renowned for its rich history and is home to attractions like the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the Joliet Prison, which give our city a character of its own. As we look around the nursing profession, salary estimates for nurses here range from approximately $30.45 to $43.17 per hour, equating to an annual salary of around $63,409 to $89,870. This range not only reflects our local market but stands in contrast to the Illinois state average of about $34.51 hourly ($71,885 annually) and the national average which sits at $37.94 hourly ($78,910 annually). What truly sets Joliet apart is the close-knit community feel we possess, making it a welcoming place for both local and traveling nurses looking to forge connections while serving the diverse patient population.
Diving deeper into the job market, we find that Joliet expresses a robust demand for nursing professionals. NurseRecruiter estimates that at least 300 to 400 new nurses will be needed in our city over the next three to five years, driven by anticipated retirements and population growth. The current nursing workforce in Joliet is estimated at around 3,000, reflecting an estimated 7.1% of our city's population. Notably, travel nursing jobs have not caught fire here as in some other Illinois cities like Chicago; we see a modest availability, primarily increasing in the fall months when we experience a seasonal uptick due to health needs influenced by flu season. Per diem nursing positions also contribute to the city's market, with an estimated 100 to 150 positions available at any time, providing additional flexibility and opportunities for both full-time nurses and those seeking to pick up extra shifts. With about five major hospitals and countless clinics, providers like AdventHealth, presence of health maintenance organizations, and a growing need for specialized nursing fields create a competitive job landscape in Joliet. Commuting cities such as Naperville and Aurora boast more robust travel nurse markets with higher advertised salaries, but our lifestyle and cost of living make Joliet a desirable option for many.
Our healthcare infrastructure is revealing significant opportunities for nursing professionals, as Joliet's population of around 150,000 is projected to grow modestly over the next few years. We have around six acute care hospitals and multiple outpatient facilities that range from family medicine clinics to specialized surgical centers, making us a focal point for healthcare in the region. Recent developments indicate ongoing investments to expand these facilities, which will likely increase the demand for nurses with specialties in areas such as geriatrics and pediatrics due to our aging population. Alongside our impressive infrastructure, Joliet communities display a wide array of attractions including beautiful parks along the Des Plaines River and vibrant downtown events, enriching the lifestyle of those who choose to live and work here. As we take pride in our public health initiatives, which emphasize preventive care and wellness programs, the local nursing workforce stands ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. For current and prospective nursing professionals, consider signing up for NurseRecruiter to explore the many job opportunities waiting in Joliet. It’s extendable to employers too, who can utilize NurseRecruiter to find local candidates our community truly needs.
