Oak Forest: A Rising Healthcare Hub for Nurses with Promising Job Opportunities and Competitive Salaries Just Southwest of Chicago
Nestled just 30 miles southwest of bustling Chicago, Oak Forest, Illinois, is a charming suburban enclave where the rhythm of life feels just right. This community of roughly 28,000 residents is more than just a peaceful retreat; it’s also becoming a significant hub for nursing professionals. In recent years, the city has seen a gradual uptick in healthcare jobs, an encouraging trend for both current and prospective nurses. Nationally, registered nurses earn a mean hourly wage of $39.16, which translates to about $81,220 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For Illinois, those numbers are slightly lower, with mean hourly wages at approximately $36.53, equating to about $76,050 a year. Here in Oak Forest, we estimate that registered nurse salaries range from $33.00 to $37.00 per hour, culminating in annual salaries between $68,640 and $77,000. As we live our lives among the scenic parks and vibrant local events, the nursing job market here shines with opportunity, especially in conjunction with nearby healthcare facilities and our proximity to Chicago.
The nursing job market in Oak Forest reflects a strong demand for qualified professionals. Over the next few years, NurseRecruiter estimates that we will need an additional 80 to 100 nurses to meet local healthcare needs, which currently includes nearly 200 registered nurses serving in hospitals and clinics throughout the area. With healthcare providers like Community Hospital and Advocate Health System playing a pivotal role, there is a palpable buzz surrounding nursing jobs. Per diem nursing roles also show promise, catering one-third of our nursing workforce to those looking for flexibility, while travel nursing opportunities appear sporadically, particularly during the winter months when demand peaks due to flu season. If we compare Oak Forest to neighboring Oak Lawn and Tinley Park, we find that these cities may have slight salary disparities, with Oak Lawn offering average hourly wages around $34.50 to $38.50, but with less competition for roles in direct care, making it an appealing alternative for job seekers. As fellow nurses, we should also take note of our biggest rival, the city of Chicago, where employment opportunities abound in various specialties, albeit with a slightly higher cost of living.
Our healthcare infrastructure in Oak Forest is steadily growing, given the rising demand for medical services across various specialties. With about five major healthcare facilities including skilled nursing homes, urgent care clinics, and even outpatient surgical centers, we have a wide range of nursing specialties looking for dedicated talent—from pediatrics to geriatrics, the opportunities are plentiful. Recent investments in local health campaigns, particularly those targeting chronic diseases and public health outreach, only heighten our sense of community and commitment to wellness. This vibrant city, with its parks, strong community spirit, and affordable living, has fostered an environment that nurtures not only health but joy. As our population hovers around 28,000, with consistent growth projections over the next few years, we continue to witness a surge in community health programs, further expanding the landscape for nursing professionals. If you are already part of our caring community or are considering joining us, I encourage you to explore NurseRecruiter for the latest job opportunities and for employers to find our local talent. Here, in Oak Forest, we’re building healthcare careers as nurturing as the community we call home.
