RN vs LPN Salary in Illinois: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Illinois, RNs earn $94,400 on average while LPNs earn $73,400, a gap of $21,000 per year. The cost of living in Illinois is near the national average (index: 96).
RN Average
$94,400
LPN Average
$73,400
Gap
$21,000
Cost of Living
96
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $69,000 | $59,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $94,400 | $73,400 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $118,000 | $90,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Illinois depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville | $101,000 | $77,000 | $24,000 |
| Peoria | $80,000 | $64,000 | $16,000 |
| Springfield | $78,000 | $63,000 | $15,000 |
| Rockford | $80,000 | $64,000 | $16,000 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $78,000 | $61,000 | $17,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Illinois has a cost of living index of 96 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$98,333
$94,400 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$76,458
$73,400 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Illinois Scope of Practice Notes
Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs in Illinois may administer IV medications when they have completed an approved IV therapy course and are under the direct supervision of an RN. Chicago-area salaries are notably higher than downstate.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Illinois
Northwestern Medicine
Advocate Aurora Health
OSF HealthCare
Rush University Medical Center
Loyola Medicine
Illinois Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Illinois Board of Nursing websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Illinois RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Illinois?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Illinois earn an average of $73,400 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $59,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $90,000.
What is the average RN salary in Illinois?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Illinois earn an average of $94,400 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $21,000 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $69,000, and experienced RNs earn around $118,000.
Which Illinois metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Illinois metros, Chicago-Naperville pays the most, with RNs averaging about $101,000 and LPNs about $77,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Illinois?
In Illinois, RNs earn an average of $94,400 versus $73,400 for LPNs, a gap of about $21,000 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.