Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn the highest nursing salaries at $180,000 to $220,000. Other high paying specialties include neonatal ICU, cardiac catheterization lab, and oncology. Specialty certification generally adds $5,000 to $15,000 to base pay regardless of area.

Travel nurses typically earn 50 to 100% more than permanent staff, with weekly rates of $2,000 to $4,000+ depending on location and specialty. Compensation includes tax free housing stipends and travel reimbursement. The tradeoff is less job stability and frequent relocation.

Entry level Registered Nurse positions in Chicago typically start around $66,000 or slightly below, depending on the company and your educational background. Candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or portfolio projects can often negotiate toward the median of $88,000.

Chicago offers competitive compensation for Registered Nurses relative to its cost of living. The local job market, industry presence, and quality of life all factor into whether Chicago is the right fit. Consider using Orbyt's Salary Playbook to compare offers across cities and factor in your personal financial situation.

Registered Nurses in Chicago commonly receive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development budgets. Many employers also offer remote work flexibility, signing bonuses, and performance based bonuses. Total compensation often exceeds base salary by 20% to 40%.