📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Illinois (2026)

Illinois · 5.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$58,653
per year
Median
$56,931
per year
Hourly
$28.2
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$41,945
25th Percentile — Junior$49,704
50th Percentile — Median$56,931
75th Percentile — Senior$67,163
90th Percentile — Top Earners$72,498
💡 Top-earning Licensed Practical Nurses in Illinois make up to $72,498 per year. The job market in Illinois is rated strong, with key industries including Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$49.4k
2021
$51.1k
2022
$52.9k
2023
$54.8k
2024
$56.7k
2025
$58.7k
2026
📈 Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Illinois have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Illinois's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in Illinois
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Chicago $65,691 +12.0% High
Aurora $59,826 +2.0% High
🔍
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Illinois
Key factors affecting compensation

Illinois is home to a strong job market for Licensed Practical Nurses. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $58,653 per year, Illinois's Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $41,945–$49,704, while experienced Licensed Practical Nurses can command $67,163–$72,498.

Looking ahead, the Licensed Practical Nurse profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Illinois is $58,653 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $55,860.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Licensed Practical Nurses the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Licensed Practical Nurse employment.
  • At $58,653/year, Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $55,860/year.