Chicago vs Aurora: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,520▲ | $69,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68▲ | $33.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,745▲ | $53,511 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,013▲ | $61,829 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,702▲ | $82,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,032▲ | $91,162 |
| Total Employed | 11,420▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $12,576 (17.98%). 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 Chicago spans $36,287,Aurora spans $37,651. Aurora 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 10.58% more than Aurora ($72,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Chicago grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$56,320 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$59,449 (2024) → $66,172 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chicago or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Aurora as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
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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