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Travel Nursing in Illinois
Illinois is one of the largest travel nursing markets in the Midwest, anchored by the Chicago metropolitan area and its world-class healthcare systems. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, and Advocate Aurora Health operate major facilities across the region. Chicago's concentration of academic medical centers and Level I trauma centers creates substantial demand for experienced travel nurses in high-acuity specialties.
Beyond Chicago, Illinois has significant healthcare markets in Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and the Metro East region near St. Louis. Downstate hospitals often face more acute staffing challenges than their Chicago counterparts, creating opportunities for travel nurses willing to work outside the metro. Illinois is not a compact license state, requiring all travel nurses to obtain a separate Illinois license. However, the state's strong pay packages, diverse assignment options, and central geographic location make it a consistently popular destination.
Quick Stats
Agencies
70+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,400-$3,800/wk
Compact License
No
Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must obtain an Illinois RN license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Top Cities
ChicagoSpringfieldPeoriaRockfordNaperville
Top Agencies for Illinois
These agencies are known for strong Illinois assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Illinois does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). All travel nurses must obtain an Illinois RN license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Applications are submitted online through the IDFPR portal. You will need license verification, proof of nursing education, and a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
Processing Time: Processing times average 4 to 8 weeks. Illinois has made efforts to streamline processing but delays can occur during high-volume periods.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Begin your Illinois license application at least 10 weeks before your desired start date.
- Request license verification through Nursys to expedite the endorsement process.
- Illinois requires fingerprint-based background checks through an approved Live Scan vendor.
- Monitor your application status online through the IDFPR portal, as communication from the board can be slow.
Popular Cities in Illinois
Chicago
Chicago is the Midwest's premier healthcare market, with Northwestern Memorial, Rush, University of Chicago, Loyola, and dozens of community hospitals creating an enormous volume of assignments. The city offers world-class dining, architecture, music, and lakefront recreation. Housing in the city varies widely by neighborhood.
Springfield
As the state capital, Springfield is home to HSHS St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center. The city offers very affordable housing and a moderate volume of travel assignments. Its central Illinois location provides a small-city atmosphere with access to state government and Lincoln historical sites.
Peoria
Peoria is home to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a major referral center for Central Illinois. The city's healthcare market is substantial for its size, and the cost of living is among the lowest in the state. UnityPoint Health also operates in the area.
Rockford
Rockford's healthcare market includes Mercyhealth and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Located about 90 minutes west of Chicago, the city offers affordable housing while maintaining reasonable access to the Chicago metro for weekend trips.
Naperville
Edward Hospital in Naperville serves one of Chicago's most affluent western suburbs. The DuPage County area offers high-quality-of-life suburban amenities, excellent schools, and easy Metra commuter rail access to downtown Chicago.
Popular Specialties in Illinois
ICU
Chicago's academic medical centers and Level I trauma centers maintain complex ICUs with heavy travel nurse demand, particularly at Northwestern, Rush, and University of Chicago.
ER
The Chicago metro's trauma centers and high-volume emergency departments create year-round demand for experienced ER travel nurses.
OR
Major surgical programs at Chicago academic centers drive consistent OR travel nurse demand, especially for cardiac, neuro, and transplant specialties.
Telemetry
Both Chicago and downstate hospitals maintain steady demand for telemetry-trained nurses, driven by the state's significant cardiac patient population.
Housing Notes
Chicago housing costs vary widely by neighborhood. A one-bedroom in trendy areas like Lincoln Park or River North runs $1,800 to $2,400 per month, while more affordable neighborhoods and inner suburbs range from $1,200 to $1,600. Downstate cities like Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford offer one-bedrooms for $700 to $1,000. Agency housing stipends typically range from $1,600 to $2,200 per week. Chicago-area travel nurses often find great value in neighborhoods like Rogers Park, Edgewater, or suburban Oak Park.
Nursing Schools in Illinois
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Maywood, IL
BSNMSNDNPPhD
AccreditedOnline
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Illinois, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,800-$4,000/wk |
| ER | $2,600-$3,800/wk |
| OR | $2,700-$3,900/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
| L&D | $2,500-$3,400/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Illinois is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. All travel nurses must obtain an Illinois RN license through the IDFPR, regardless of compact license status.
Chicago consistently offers the highest pay packages in Illinois. Academic medical centers like Northwestern and Rush tend to pay premium rates for ICU, ER, and OR specialties.
Chicago is more affordable than coastal cities like New York or San Francisco. Travel nurses can find reasonable housing in many neighborhoods, and agency stipends of $1,600-$2,200/week cover most living arrangements.
Yes. Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, and other downstate cities have consistent travel nurse demand. These areas offer significantly lower housing costs and a quieter pace of life while still paying competitive rates.
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