Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Elgin, IL: $81,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Elgin, IL earns a median $81,784/year (≈ $39.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $84,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.5% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, IL, the evolving compensation for licensed practical nurses reflects the pressures and rewards inherent in long-term healthcare settings. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary sits at $81,784, significantly outpacing the national median of $68,071 by over 20%. The local salary range is wide, with entry-level positions starting around $63,955 and experienced professionals earning as much as $108,824. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which account for regional cost adjustments essential for assessing affordable living in Elgin. Given the high demand for skilled nursing in facilities across the area, LPNs can find opportunities that not only offer competitive wages but also incorporate shift differentials and weekend premiums, enhancing overall earnings potential.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,955 | $30.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,594 | $35.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,784 | $39.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,319 | $47.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,824 | $52.32 |
Median Salary Position
20.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,869 (2026 est.). At $81,784, the local median is 20.15% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Elgin median: $81,784/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,809 | +15.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.15% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Elgin, IL earn a median of $81,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.15% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 15.50% above the Illinois state average of $70,809.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $81,784 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,227 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,045
2025 BLS Actual
$77,374
2026 Current Est.
$81,784
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,374 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,446 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,045 (2019) to $77,374 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,446 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,401 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,955 – $73,594 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,594 – $81,784 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,784 – $98,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,319 – $108,824 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Elgin
Analyzing the job market in Elgin reveals a stable demand, with just 16 licensed practical nurses currently employed in the area. This limited workforce numbers juxtapose against a cost-of-living index of 97.1, suggesting that take-home pay can stretch further in Elgin compared to many other regions. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest salaries, while home health agencies and physician offices typically pay less. Shifts with additional pay, including weekend and holiday premiums, allow LPNs to maximize their earnings significantly, along with competitive bonuses for certifications like IV therapy. Those aiming to enhance their licensed practical nurse pay in Elgin, IL, should consider engaging in ongoing education and training, which not only enriches their qualifications but also positions them favorably for higher-paying roles in long-term care environments. Additionally, understanding the nuances of wage differentials in various healthcare settings can provide strategic advantages in salary negotiations.
More salary data for Elgin, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,374 for licensed practical nursesin the Elgin metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elgin 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