Chicago vs Peoria: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chicago, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,520▲ | $76,389 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68▲ | $36.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,745▲ | $61,348 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,013▲ | $65,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,702▲ | $80,554 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,032▲ | $83,366 |
| Total Employed | 11,420▲ | 630 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Chicago and Peoria is $6,131 (8.03%). 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,Peoria spans $22,018. 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, Peoria ($83,731 effective) pays 5.12% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,032)
- ✓Larger job market (11,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,731)
- ✓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 56.6% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$56,320 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$46,150 (2019) → $72,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chicago or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Peoria as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chicago vs Peoria?
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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