Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Illinois? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $66,030/yr ($31.74/hr), with around 18,230 people working in this field statewide.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Illinois are above the national average by approximately $2,543. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean licensed practical nurses in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $66,030.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Illinois
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalicensed practical nurses pay in Illinois has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the licensed practical nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $73,300 | $35.24 | +11.0% | 6,380 |
| Aurora | $70,000 | $33.65 | +6.0% | 5,104 |
| Naperville | $68,000 | $32.69 | +3.0% | 3,281 |
| Joliet | $63,400 | $30.48 | -4.0% | 1,640 |
| Rockford | $60,100 | $28.89 | -9.0% | 1,093 |
| Springfield | $57,450 | $27.62 | -13.0% | 729 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Illinois at $73,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean licensed practical nurses in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Illinois typically adds $54,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays licensed practical nurses $73,300/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays licensed practical nurses $61,040/yr — -7.6% vs Illinois.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Chicago, IL→