Peoria, Illinois: A Thriving Hub for Nursing Careers with Competitive Salaries and a Rich Community Lifestyle
Here in Peoria, Illinois, nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, we boast a warm community rich with Midwestern charm and a growing nursing job market that holds exciting opportunities for both local nurses and those considering travel nursing. With an array of healthcare facilities like OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health—Proctor, the average salary range for nurses in our city sits between $62,500 to $68,500 annually, which is comparably competitive when stacked against state averages reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, where the mean annual salary is around $70,300 for Illinois nursing professionals. Nationally, nurses earn an average of approximately $77,600 annually. Unique to Peoria are our cultural offerings—think the Peoria Riverfront Museum and vibrant local festivals—that create a thriving lifestyle for residents who balance work with community engagement.
Diving deeper into the job market, Peoria's healthcare sector is expanding, with a projection of needing nearly 400 new nurses in the next five years to keep pace with demand caused by an aging population and healthcare needs. We currently have an estimated nurse workforce of around 3,200, translating to about 0.88 nurses per 100 residents in our area. Additionally, travel nursing jobs aren’t as prevalent here compared to larger cities like Chicago, but we see a consistent flow of per diem nursing opportunities, particularly during peak seasons such as summer, when our local hospitals experience increased patient volumes due to seasonal illnesses and elective surgeries. With at least 5 major hospitals and numerous clinics, integral players like Methodist Medical Center and various specialized care facilities are among the primary employers. When comparing ourselves to nearby cities like Bloomington or Champaign, we find that while they have similar job opportunities, Peoria's cost of living and community-focused lifestyle offer a distinct advantage for those seeking a fulfilling career in nursing.
Our healthcare infrastructure is robust and continually evolving, reflecting a community that prioritizes health services alongside quality of life. The recent investment of over $50 million in expanding services at OSF Saint Francis illustrates our commitment to healthcare excellence and enhances the variety of nursing specialties in demand, from critical care to pediatrics. As Peoria’s population stands at about 112,000, with projections showing modest growth, we have an engaged community. Public health initiatives focusing on preventative care demonstrate a serious commitment to community well-being, further shaping our nursing landscape. So whether you’re a local nurse or a prospective traveler, Peoria offers a supportive environment for expanding your career while enjoying a lifestyle that celebrates local culture and community. I invite my fellow nurses to check out NurseRecruiter to find job opportunities here in our beautiful city, and also remember that employers can utilize NurseRecruiter to connect with talented local nursing candidates.
