Hire Physicians in Illinois
Illinois has 43,612 licensed physicians — ranking #6 nationally. Median salary: $229k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #6 of 51 states for physicians with 43,612 providers (1133 per 100K residents, 361% above the national average of 246). Chicago leads with 7,560 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
Recruit Physicians in Major Cities
Physicians Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career physicians in Illinois, target offers at $240,765+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Physicians Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 7,560 | 280 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 560 | 280 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 420 | 280 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 414 | 280 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 406 | 280 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 319 | 280 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 314 | 280 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 308 | 280 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 244 | 280 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 235 | 280 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have physicians data. National average: 246 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #6 of 51 states for physicians with 43,612 providers (1133 per 100K residents, 361% above the national average of 246). Chicago leads with 7,560 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 8.4% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 3,663 physicians 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 Physicians in Illinois
How many physicians are in Illinois?
Illinois has 43,612 licensed physicians, ranking #6 nationally with 1133 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for physicians in Illinois?
The national median is $229,300. Entry-level: $174,268, Senior: $286,625. 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 physicians?
Top cities: Chicago (7,560), Aurora (560), Joliet (420). Chicago has 280 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for physicians in Illinois?
Annual turnover averages 8.4%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting physicians take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.