Living in Chicago on an RN salary

chellebelle · Jul 14, 2008

I lived in the South Loop my first year, and while affordable and close to everything, didn't feel safe out at night.

I moved to Lakeview and would recommend it to anyone. Buses to downtown are at my doorstep, tons of cabs, I'm a block from more stores than you could fit in a mall, and there's 5 or 6 bars less than 5min walking in any direction. You can get a decent one bedroom for $900-1200, depending on the amenities included. Street parking is possible, and I would try it first because rental parking is $150-250/month or $30,000 deeded.

When I first moved here I sold my car for extra cash while adjusting to city living as a new grad. I have to say I bought a car after my first year here and live having the flexibility. I have friends who've lived here 6-7 years and never bought a car. It's easily a savings of $5,000-$6,000 a year.

I agree with other posters that you should research the neighborhoods around your top choice hospitals. The culture of the neighborhoods around hospitals is impacted by the high numbers of healthcare professionals in the area (i.e., hospital bars in EVERY neighborhood). Keep in mind that some areas are far safer than others. The City of Chicago website has an excellent crime survellience tool that can show you the prevalence of crime and the type of crime in the neighborhood, right down to the street adress. http://gis.chicagopolice.org

Like these other RNs, I'm slightly crazed about home/rental research. I think you pretty much have to be to find great places to live in the city. PM me if you decide to move to Lakeview!

Lifewitlooie · Dec 5, 2008

if i was a nurse in chicago I would save craptons of money. I live less than 4 miles from the loop on the South side. my parents have a 2 story. not a big deal to live with ur folks to save money when it is impossible to afford to buy for my generation

Juwon · Nov 11, 2010

I live in Chicago. I'm single and have a good size one-bed apt but there's no way I could buy a place unless I didn't have any school loans to pay back. I would also need A REALLY NICE downpayment. I don't need one, so I don't even have a car in the city. I commute to and from the hospital on the train and it's SUPER easy. I am happy to give you more information! Just PM me!
I can tell you that at Rush University Med. Center the current NEW GRAD starting pay for BSN grads is $25.25 and shall remain that until at least august of 2008.
Rush also has the highest starting salary in all of the city's hospital. They have tuition reimbursement for new grads.
I think NWMH has a yearly bonus, but I've heard not many good things about this bonus-not as big as anticipated and so on.
Hope this helps:)

Hi, the RN's that i know that resides in the hospital as a new grad makes $25/hr, I know some new grads that made $26/hr-$28/hr in a nursing home facility. All places pay different amounts. It is possible to live in Chicago on an RN salary, you reall have to budget your money and work lots of overtime. Also, you can work in a nursing homr or hospital, and work on the side doing home health. Most home health agencies pay $60/per vist, with the latter being $85/per visit. It all adds up. You just have to work in more than one facility or work more than 80 hours bi-weekly.

winnieander · May 30, 2011

Hi everyone

I'm a nursing student who will be graduating in August and am wondering if anyone can tell me what is the average starting salary for new grads in Chicago.

Based on Juwon's post above, I'm guessing $25-$28? I'd greatly appreciate it if someone can give me an update. Contemplating whether to try to find a job in the city or just stay in NW Indiana... Thanks!!

prinsessa · May 31, 2011

I would say that is about right. I started at $26/hr last year.