Bloomington vs Springfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bloomington, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,104▲ | $63,536 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.18▲ | $30.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,922▲ | $53,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,266▲ | $63,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,294▲ | $68,018 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,057 | $81,220▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington and Springfield are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Springfield is $7,568 (11.91%). Bloomington's median is +4.46% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $25,135,Springfield spans $27,915. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($76,017 effective) pays 10.96% more than Springfield ($68,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,104/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,017)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,220)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bloomington grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$50,240 (2019) → $67,270 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$45,170 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bloomington or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Springfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bloomington vs Springfield?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov