Nursing Wages in Chicago Area

I'm relocating from Idaho state to the Chicago-area and interested in knowing what a RN with 3 years of experience can expect to make as an hourly wage. Any ideas?

I'm making 20.22/hour here, but the rent, etc, is so much higher over there. Would it be too much to expect at least 32.50/hour?

Would appreciate any comments.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

It's possible to make that much, but only if you're going to be working straight weekend nights!!!

Most hospitals around here have starting salaries around $20 for new grads, a little more for experienced nurses but the increases aren't that great unless you've worked for over 10 years. So you can hope for about $25 an hour in the city, a little less in the suburbs. If you work nights you can add another 3-5 dollars, and weekends about 2-4 dollars more.

But if you're just moving into the city, I'm sure you don't want a whole schedule of weekend nights! Chicago is the BEST city, and you'll want to get out there and enjoy it!

GOOD LUCK!!! :)

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm working PM's as a new grad in Lake County....$21 + $3 shift diff.....

[TracyB,RN, RN]

Have been in nursing for 12 years now, almost 4 as an RN. . . Working in small community hospital 23 to start with 3.00 shift diff.

[nimbus2004]

The cost of living is much higher here. The pay just doesn't seem to match. As the other poster said, you can expect to get that much if you are working weekend nights or maybe as agency. Where were you looking to work/live?

[Stitchie]

Originally posted by TracyB,RN

Have been in nursing for 12 years now, almost 4 as an RN. . . Working in small community hospital 23 to start with 3.00 shift diff.

Tracy -- what hospital?

I just resigned; can't stand the NM, so I'm looking right now. But I want to go to a smaller community hospital.

I'm at a HUGE Advocate hospital as a new grad -- $21.50++ for base then they throw us vvvverry small bones for shift differentials (a buck or two) and weekends.

[live4today, RN]

Anyone know anything about working as a hospital nurse in Macomb, Illinois? There's a travel nurse assignment there I'm considering. Thanks!

[g00gle77]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm looking at moving to plainfield/naperville area. I would work nights & weekends except that I have children and need childcare.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Im near Macomb. Nice community, state university there. Very rural patients. Not sure what the bed count is there. Although im pretty sure it is comparable to my hospital.

[live4today, RN]

Originally posted by meownsmile

Im near Macomb. Nice community, state university there. Very rural patients. Not sure what the bed count is there. Although im pretty sure it is comparable to my hospital.

Thank you for responding to my question about Macomb. How long does it take to get a nursing license for Illinois?

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I really cant answer that question so far as to a nurse with a valid license from another state. Just can direct you to the DPR site, http://www.dpr.state.il.us/WHO/nurs.asp

[live4today, RN]

Thanks a lot meownsmile! I'll check into it tomorrow. Nighty night!