Chicago vs Naperville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,520 | $83,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68 | $40.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,745▲ | $61,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,013▲ | $73,803 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,702 | $97,208▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,032 | $114,025▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,420▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $861 (1.04%). Naperville's median is +22.49% 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,Naperville spans $52,577. Naperville 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, Naperville ($85,871 effective) pays 7.80% more than Chicago ($79,656 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (11,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,381/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,025)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,871)
- ✓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 28.4% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$56,320 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$61,439 (2024) → $78,885 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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