Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Peoria, IL: $61,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,348 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,245 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,389) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Peoria, IL, can anticipate starting salaries around $61,348, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $76,389. For those early in their careers, the growth trajectory appears promising, as first-job options gradually increase earnings to approximately $65,999 within a few years before reaching closer to the median within three to five years of experience. This upward movement in compensation, alongside Peoria's overall job market health for healthcare roles, illustrates that entry-level licensed practical nurse salaries in this region provide a solid pathway for new professionals, making it a favorable location for LPNs seeking stable employment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Peoria, IL typically start between $61,348 and $65,999 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,018 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,389 — 12.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $16,000 represents just 26.08% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($61,348/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $61,348 to $65,999, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's below-average 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 Peoria is $22,018 ( 35.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,348, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,250
2025 BLS Actual
$58,040
2026 Current Est.
$61,348
2019–2027 Growth
+101.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,845 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 80.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,250 in 2019 to $58,040 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,845. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
Several key employers actively recruit newly licensed practical nurses in Peoria, primarily in skilled nursing facilities that often provide on-the-job orientation and training. Additionally, home health agencies present flexible scheduling opportunities, while physician offices may prioritize candidates with relevant clinic experience. To enhance starting pay for new grads in Illinois, obtaining additional credentials is crucial, including an active LPN/LVN license, completion of a practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and passing the NCLEX-PN. Many new LPNs often pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs after gaining experience, as hospitals are increasingly favoring RN staffing. Entry-level opportunities can lead to salary increases over the first few years, as the LPN scope of practice varies and pursuing specialized skills, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further elevate earning potential in the Peoria market.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Peoria?
Is nursing school worth it in Peoria?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. 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