Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Illinois
Based on 17K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$75,000
$36.06/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+12.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $90K
17K employed in Illinois
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Illinois averages $75,000 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 12% higher. With approximately 17,440 Licensed Practical Nurses employed throughout Illinois, the field offers competitive compensation for healthcare professionals seeking stable careers in nursing.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Illinois varies based on several key factors, including experience level, workplace setting, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare facilities in urban areas like Chicago typically offer higher wages than rural regions, while specialty units and shift differentials can also influence earning potential for individual nurses.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,880 |
| 25th percentile | $63,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,000 |
| 75th percentile | $79,560 |
| 90th percentile | $89,810 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,310 |
| 2023 | $62,600 |
| 2024 | $66,030 |
| 2025 | $75,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,500 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,310 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $62,600 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $66,030 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $75,000 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,500 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,810 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($75,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +590.5% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +484.0% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +282.4% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +245.0% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +226.8% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +177.3% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +162.3% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +123.2% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +108.1% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +94.2% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +87.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +85.4% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Illinois?
- Licensed practical nurses in Illinois earn a median salary of $75,000 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 12.4% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Illinois?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Illinois spans from $58,880 to $89,810 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location within the state.
How many licensed practical nurses are employed in Illinois?
- There are 17,440 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Illinois, representing a stable job market for this profession in the state.
Is being an LPN in Illinois better paid than the national average?
- Yes, Illinois offers 12.4% higher pay for licensed practical nurses compared to the national average, with the median salary reaching $75,000 annually.