Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Chicago, IL: $65,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Chicago, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,745 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chicago's local price level (BEA RPP 103.6 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,463 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,520) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly graduated licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Chicago, the starting salary in 2026 is projected to be approximately $65,745. This figure reflects the entry-level pay for those beginning their nursing careers, creating a significant gap when compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $82,520. Aspiring LPNs should note that as they gain experience in their first few years, salaries can grow from the lower threshold of starting positions to the P25 figure of $77,013, ultimately progressing towards the median level. This growth trajectory indicates that Chicago remains a viable job market for new grads, providing competitive starting pay relative to many markets across the nation where the average annual salary is expected to be $68,071.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chicago
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Chicago, IL typically start between $65,745 and $77,013 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,287 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,520 — 21.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $16,000 represents just 24.34% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($65,745/year) in Chicago. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Chicago
- 1Research the Chicago market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $65,745 to $77,013, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chicago, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Chicago for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chicago's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Chicago is $36,287 ( 55.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,745, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,032.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,060
2025 BLS Actual
$62,200
2026 Current Est.
$65,745
2019–2027 Growth
+57.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,493 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Chicago, IL grew 41.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,060 in 2019 to $62,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,493. New graduates entering the Chicago job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Chicago
Newly graduated LPNs in Chicago can find employment opportunities in various settings, with skilled nursing facilities being the largest employers for entry-level positions. These facilities often provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation, making them ideal for fresh graduates stepping into the nursing field. On the other hand, home health agencies appeal to those seeking flexible schedules, while physician offices may require candidates to have some specific clinic experience to enhance employability. It is crucial for new graduates to hold an active LPN/LVN license, complete a practical nursing diploma, and pass the NCLEX-PN for a competitive edge. Pursuing additional certifications like IV therapy or wound care can further elevate earning potential. In the early stages of their careers, LPNs might see a gradual salary increase, especially considering the industry trend toward LPN-to-RN bridge programs as more hospitals transition to an all-RN staffing model.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Chicago in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Chicago?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Chicago?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Chicago. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov