Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $33.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Wheeling, IL runs $33.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,142 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,487 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a competitive $33.24, slightly above the national hourly median of $32.73. This rate reflects the various roles LPNs play in healthcare settings, often working part-time in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and hospice care. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the pay can significantly supplement earnings, making it an attractive option for many. Entry-level LPNs in Wheeling may earn around $27.28 per hour, while experienced practitioners can reach up to $42.97, highlighting the potential for career advancement and specialization within this crucial healthcare profession.
About the Wheeling 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) | $27.28 | $218.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.29 | $250.30 |
| Median (P50) | $33.24 | $265.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.60 | $316.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.97 | $343.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $33.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.24/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,145 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,891. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,329.71 | $5,762 | $69,145 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $797.82 | $3,457 | $41,487 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.88 | $2,305 | $27,658 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Wheeling) | $33.24 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $69,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.57% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $70,842.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.24/hr = $41,487/year (purchasing power: $42,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,145/year (purchasing power: $71,210).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Wheeling grew 35.6% from $23.19/hr (2019) to $31.45/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.14/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
When evaluating earning potential, working three days a week, or 24 hours, as a licensed practical nurse allows for a considerable annual income compared to full-time positions. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Wheeling can vary widely; typically, they might bill from $28 to $42 per hour, depending on demand and the specific healthcare settings. In times of high need, agency LPNs may even command up to $60 per hour, particularly in long-term care facilities with staffing shortages. However, as LPNs consider job options, the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance, plays a significant role in employment decisions. Negotiating for a higher rate can be beneficial, yet it’s essential to balance pay with the security of comprehensive benefits. Understanding employer types—ranging from hospitals to home health agencies—can further inform prospective candidates about their options and help them make informed career choices in the evolving landscape of nursing in Wheeling, IL.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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
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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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