Registered Nurse Salary in Illinois
Based on 139K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$95,990
$46.15/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $118K
139K employed in Illinois
Registered Nurses in Illinois earn a median salary of $95,990 per year, which is 2% above the national average. With approximately 138,910 nurses employed throughout the state, Illinois represents a significant portion of the nation's nursing workforce. Salaries in the state range from $69,170 to $118,190 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence registered nurse salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialized certifications. The type of healthcare facility—whether hospital, clinic, or specialty care center—also affects compensation levels. Geographic location within Illinois, shift differentials, and the nurse's specific role or department further contribute to salary differences across the state's nursing workforce.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,170 |
| 25th percentile | $80,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $95,990 |
| 75th percentile | $105,960 |
| 90th percentile | $118,190 |
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Illinois
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Illinois.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $76,450 | 6 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,980 |
| 2023 | $82,470 |
| 2024 | $86,410 |
| 2025 | $95,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,749 |
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 | $78,980 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $82,470 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $86,410 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $95,990 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,749 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $95,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $118,190 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Registered Nurse ($95,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +439.5% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +356.3% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +198.8% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +169.5% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +155.4% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +116.7% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +105.0% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +74.4% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +62.6% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +51.7% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +46.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +44.9% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Illinois?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Illinois is $95,990 per year, or approximately $46 per hour. This is 2.0% higher than the national average for RNs, making Illinois a competitive state for nursing employment.
What is the salary range for nurses in Illinois?
- Registered nurse salaries in Illinois range from $69,170 at the lower end to $118,190 at the higher end. This $49,020 range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and work settings across the state.
How many registered nurses work in Illinois?
- There are 138,910 registered nurses currently employed in Illinois, making it a significant employment hub for nursing professionals in the healthcare sector.
Does Illinois pay nurses more than the national average?
- Yes, Illinois pays registered nurses 2.0% above the national average. With a median salary of $95,990 compared to the national benchmark, Illinois offers competitive compensation for nursing professionals.