Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $33.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Aurora, IL runs $33.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,944 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, a licensed practical nurse can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.62, surpassing the national average of $32.73. This rate is advantageous for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, as they can effectively balance work with other commitments while earning a competitive wage. Per-diem licensed practical nurses often find themselves in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health, and hospice care, which gives them flexibility. Entry-level positions in Aurora start at approximately $25.73 per hour, while experienced LPNs, particularly in high-demand environments, can earn as much as $43.82 per hour. Overall, the hourly figures reflect a promising outlook for LPNs looking to either enhance their experience or simply enjoy a varied work schedule in the healthcare field.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.73 | $205.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.72 | $237.78 |
| Median (P50) | $33.62 | $268.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.88 | $319.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.82 | $350.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $33.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.62/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,348. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.93 | $5,828 | $69,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.96 | $3,497 | $41,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.97 | $2,331 | $27,974 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Aurora) | $33.62 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Aurora, IL earn a median of $69,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $70,865.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.62/hr = $41,962/year (purchasing power: $43,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,936/year (purchasing power: $72,025).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Aurora grew 35.6% from $23.45/hr (2019) to $31.81/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Aurora
For those considering part-time positions, a licensed practical nurse working three days a week at 24 hours could potentially earn around $52,000 on an annualized basis, compared to full-time wages. Per diem or agency LPNs have the freedom to choose their hours, and while they typically see pay rates between $28 and $42 an hour, those working in underfunded nursing facilities might charge up to $60 an hour. However, a nurse might opt for slightly lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, highlighting a common dilemma in the profession. Hourly rates often fluctuate based on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer differing compensation relative to hospitals or correctional facilities. LPNs in Aurora should keep negotiation tactics in mind, such as underscoring their experience and the specific needs of the facility to secure better pay.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Aurora in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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