Hire Counselors in Illinois
Illinois has 9,200 licensed counselors — ranking #7 nationally. Median salary: $54k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for counselors with 9,200 providers (239 per 100K residents, 112% above the national average of 113). Chicago leads with 2,430 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
Recruit Counselors in Major Cities
Counselors Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career counselors in Illinois, target offers at $56,690+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Counselors Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2,430 | 90 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 180 | 90 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 135 | 90 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 133 | 90 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 131 | 90 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 103 | 90 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 101 | 90 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 99 | 90 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 78 | 90 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 76 | 90 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have counselors data. National average: 113 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for counselors with 9,200 providers (239 per 100K residents, 112% above the national average of 113). Chicago leads with 2,430 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 18.2% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 1,674 counselors position changes per year. Top retention factors: work-life balance (85%), competitive salary (82%), and supportive management (78%).
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days. Recruiters should factor in 60-120 days for hospital credentialing and 90-180 days for insurance paneling.
Top Specializations
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Counselors in Illinois
How many counselors are in Illinois?
Illinois has 9,200 licensed counselors, ranking #7 nationally with 239 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for counselors in Illinois?
The national median is $53,990. Entry-level: $41,032, Senior: $67,488. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 are common for hard-to-fill roles. Source: BLS 2024.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, Illinois requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in Illinois have the most counselors?
Top cities: Chicago (2,430), Aurora (180), Joliet (135). Chicago has 90 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for counselors in Illinois?
Annual turnover averages 18.2%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting counselors take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.