Nursing Jobs: Rockford, Il, Overview
One of the largest cities in Illinois, Rockford is located to the far north of the state, in Winnebago County, on the banks of the Rock River, about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. If you’re seeking new nursing jobs, Rockford, IL, has lots to offer you, whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem positions. Take a look at what’s in store.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Rockford, Il
- Is Illinois a compact state? No. However, nurses can be licensed by exam or endorsement. Our article on the Illinois Nurse Practice Act covers the rules and regulations for nursing in this state.
- How much do nurses make in Rockford? This is a breakdown of average annual salaries in the area by license/certification:
- NP salary in Rockford: $124,570
- RN salary in Rockford: $82,870
- LPN salary in Rockford: $61,310
- CNA salary in Rockford: $39,390
- Where can I learn more about license requirements for nurses in Illinois? Visit the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center for current information, and also check out our article on how to renew a nursing license in Illinois.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Rockford, IL
As Illinois’ fifth most populous city, Rockford is home to around 146,000 people who keep hospitals, doctors’ offices, and skilled nursing facilities plenty busy. That helps create a need to fill nursing jobs. Rockford, IL, has positions for a variety of roles, such as:
- CRNA jobs in Rockford, IL
- Nurse midwife jobs in Rockford, IL
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Rockford, IL
- Registered nurse jobs in Rockford, IL
- Licensed practical nurse jobs in Rockford, IL
- Certified nursing assistant jobs in Rockford, IL
- CMA jobs in Rockford, IL
- Surgical tech jobs in Rockford, IL
- Home health aide jobs in Rockford, IL
- Caregiver jobs in Rockford, IL
Curious about whom you’d be caring for in this area? The city has a median age of 39, and people ages 65 and older make up 17% of the city. Nearly a quarter of residents are under 18.
One way you can stand out to potential employers is to make sure cultural competency is part of your skill set before you apply to nursing jobs — Rockford, IL, has a diverse population: 55.5% is White, 22% is Black, 21% is Hispanic or Latino, 11% is two or more races, 4% is Asian, and 1% is American Indian and Alaskan Native.
Working in Rockford, IL
Because Rockford is near three major U.S. cities — Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, WI — quality healthcare providers are also in close proximity. This means you can find nursing jobs at local institutions like:
- OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (a Level I trauma center)
- Mercyhealth, the region’s largest and oldest health care system, which includes Javon Bea Hospital - Riverside and Javon Bea Hospital - Rockton
- UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital
Rockford also has a number of community clinics and nursing homes that rely on healthcare professionals such as yourself.
So, how long would it take you to get to your job if you lived here? On average, residents’ commute time is about 20 minutes — eight minutes shorter than the state average. Most of the workforce commutes alone via car, but working from home and carpooling are popular too. There’s also the option to take mass transit to get you all around the city.
Need someone to watch your kids while you’re working? Rockford's YMCA offers a variety of programs including before and after care and summer camps. If you’re a pet parent and are busy working a double, you have your choice of local pet sitters who can come walk your dog and feed your cat.
Living in Rockford, IL
Known in pop culture as the home of the Rockford Peaches women’s baseball team and rock n roll icons Cheap Trick, Rockford may not get the same level of attention that Chicago or Springfield gets, but this city more than holds its own in terms of things to do.
For starters, the Riverfront Museum Campus comprises three awesome museums: the Burpee Museum of Natural History, the Discovery Center Museum, and the Rockford Art Museum. If you want to get closer to nature, the Anderson Japanese Gardens is celebrated as one of the most impressive in North America. Not to be outdone, the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is the third largest of its kind in the state.
Find out why Rockford is known as the Forest City with a trip to the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, which features more than 10,000 acres of green space, lakes, and recreational areas for you to enjoy.
The restaurant scene in Rockford boasts everything from old-school Italian to comfort food and beyond. In the warmer months, hit up the Rockford City Market for local produce, flowers, coffee and more.
If you want to get out of town for a bit, the Chicago Rockford International Airport is four miles from the center of town, and you also have O’Hare International Airport just 75 miles away. In terms of day trips, Rockford’s location puts you under two hours away from all that Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, WI, have to offer.
The year-round weather in Rockford is typical for this part of the country: humid, wet, and warm in the summer and quite cold and snowy in the winter. During the year, the temperature ranges from around 15 degrees to 84 degrees.
One standout feature of Rockford is that it has a lower cost of living by around 11%. Home prices are 36% below the national average, and monthly rents are 23% lower. Your dollar goes further here.
IntelyCare Is Your Source for Great Nursing Jobs
Rockford, IL, has excellent career opportunities for nurses and healthcare professionals. Need some help getting started? Find out how IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs in your specialty area and preferred facility type.