Carbondale vs Chicago: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Carbondale, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carbondale, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,343 | $82,520▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.90 | $39.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,117 | $65,745▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,138 | $77,013▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,027 | $85,702▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,863 | $102,032▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 11,420▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carbondale.
The salary gap between Carbondale and Chicago is $16,177 (24.38%). Chicago's median is +21.23% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carbondale spans $24,746,Chicago spans $36,287. Chicago 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, Chicago ($79,656 effective) pays 16.59% more than Carbondale ($68,324 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carbondale if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,032)
- ✓Larger job market (11,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,656)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Carbondale grew 49.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Carbondale, IL
$41,950 (2019) → $62,765 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$56,320 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carbondale, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Carbondale or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carbondale and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Carbondale to Chicago as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Carbondale vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
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