DeKalb vs Peoria: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between DeKalb, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,157 | $76,389▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.77 | $36.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,443 | $61,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,487 | $65,999▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,423 | $80,554▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,785▲ | $83,366 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Peoria is $8,232 (12.08%). Peoria's median is +12.22% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $32,342,Peoria spans $22,018. DeKalb 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 19.29% more than DeKalb ($70,193 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,785)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,389/year)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓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 DeKalb grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 56.6% growth in Peoria over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$57,931 (2024) → $64,482 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$46,150 (2019) → $72,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: DeKalb or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Peoria?
Should I relocate from DeKalb to Peoria as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in DeKalb vs Peoria?
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