Chicago vs Cicero: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chicago, IL and Cicero, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Cicero, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,520▲ | $68,559 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68▲ | $32.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,745▲ | $53,501 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,013▲ | $62,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,702▲ | $80,510 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,032▲ | $87,605 |
| Total Employed | 11,420▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cicero.
The salary gap between Chicago and Cicero is $13,961 (20.36%). 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,Cicero spans $34,104. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($79,656 effective) pays 12.82% more than Cicero ($70,607 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 Cicero 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 Cicero over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$56,320 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
Cicero, IL
$58,272 (2024) → $64,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Cicero, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chicago or Cicero?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Cicero?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Cicero as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chicago vs Cicero?
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