Des Plaines vs Rockford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,475 | $74,085▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.93 | $35.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,303 | $55,144▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,033 | $64,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,311 | $81,156▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,334▲ | $87,160 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Rockford is $5,610 (8.19%). Rockford's median is +8.83% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Plaines spans $34,031,Rockford spans $32,016. Des Plaines 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, Rockford ($80,393 effective) pays 14.00% more than Des Plaines ($70,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,334)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,085/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,393)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Des Plaines grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$58,201 (2024) → $64,782 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$50,060 (2019) → $70,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Des Plaines or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Plaines and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Des Plaines to Rockford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Des Plaines vs Rockford?
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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