Springfield vs Urbana: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Springfield, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,536 | $67,539▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.55 | $32.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,305 | $56,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,082 | $64,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,018 | $79,601▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,220 | $86,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Urbana, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and Urbana is $4,003 (6.30%). Urbana's median is -0.78% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $27,915,Urbana spans $29,745. Urbana 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, Urbana ($69,556 effective) pays 1.53% more than Springfield ($68,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,539/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,156)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,556)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Springfield grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$45,170 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$58,183 (2024) → $63,897 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Springfield or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Urbana as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Springfield vs Urbana?
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