Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $53,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,303 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,895 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,475) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a nursing career, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Des Plaines, Illinois, presents a promising beginning. New graduates in 2026 can expect to earn around $53,303, significantly lower than the city median salary of $68,475. However, this starting pay offers room for growth, with salaries predicted to increase as early-career LPNs gain experience, moving from the 25th percentile at $61,033 toward the median within their first three to five years. Des Plaines stands out as a sustainable market for fresh nursing graduates, especially given the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in the area, making it an appealing option for those looking to launch their practical nursing careers.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $53,303 and $61,033 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,031 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,475 — 0.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $16,000 represents just 30.02% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,303/year) in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,303 to $61,033, 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 Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is $34,031 ( 63.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,303, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,334.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,039
2025 BLS Actual
$50,429
2026 Current Est.
$53,303
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,665 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,429 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,342 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,039 in 2019 to $50,429 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,342. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
New graduates should actively seek employment with skilled nursing facilities, as they often provide the highest number of entry-level opportunities for LPNs. These facilities typically offer on-the-job training that can help new hires build confidence and expertise. Home health agencies may also appeal to new LPNs due to their flexible scheduling, allowing for a better work-life balance. For those aspiring to enhance their credentials and starting pay in Illinois, it is essential to hold an active LPN/LVN license, have completed a 12-18 month practical nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, pursuing certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further improve job prospects and earning potential. In the evolving healthcare environment, many LPNs find that advancing to RN through LPN-to-RN bridge programs is a beneficial long-term career strategy as they navigate their first years in the field, particularly given the shifting dynamics towards higher RN staffing in many healthcare settings.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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