RN vs LPN Salary in Illinois: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Illinois, RNs earn $80,000 on average while LPNs earn $55,000, a gap of $25,000 per year. The cost of living in Illinois is near the national average (index: 96).
RN Average
$80,000
LPN Average
$55,000
Gap
$25,000
Cost of Living
96
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $64,000 | $44,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $80,000 | $55,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $98,000 | $66,000 |
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 | $86,000 | $58,000 | $28,000 |
| Peoria | $68,000 | $48,000 | $20,000 |
| Springfield | $66,000 | $47,000 | $19,000 |
| Rockford | $68,000 | $48,000 | $20,000 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $66,000 | $46,000 | $20,000 |
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
$83,333
$80,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$57,292
$55,000 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 website