Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Evanston, IL: $70,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Evanston, IL earns a median $70,432/year (≈ $33.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a forecasted median annual salary of $70,432 in 2026, licensed practical nurses in Evanston, IL, are positioned competitively in the job market compared to the national figure of $68,071. The local salary range spans from $52,339 at the 10th percentile to $93,583 at the 90th percentile, reflecting substantial earning potential based on experience and specific roles. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, and highlight a healthcare sector where factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums can significantly influence overall compensation. The local demand for skilled nursing care, particularly in long-term settings, plays a key role in driving these salaries upward.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,339 | $25.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,454 | $30.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,432 | $33.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,075 | $40.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,583 | $45.00 |
Median Salary Position
3.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,244 (2026 est.). At $70,432, the local median is 3.47% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Evanston median: $70,432/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,857 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +3.47% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Evanston, IL earn a median of $70,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $70,857.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $70,432 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,536 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,127
2025 BLS Actual
$66,634
2026 Current Est.
$70,432
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,447 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,127 (2019) to $66,634 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,447 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,320 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $52,339 – $62,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,454 – $70,432 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,432 – $85,075 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,075 – $93,583 |
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 Evanston
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Evanston consists of about 16 professionals, which indicates a relatively stable employment landscape in a city with a cost-of-living index of 97.1—slightly below the national average. This affordability may enhance the purchasing power of LPN salaries in the area. Employers who offer the highest pay include skilled nursing facilities and long-term care organizations, often providing additional benefits such as shift differentials and stipends for specialized certifications like IV therapy. The disparity between lower and higher wages arises mainly from the type of setting; skilled nursing facilities typically offer more competitive pay than home health agencies or physician offices. To maximize earnings, LPNs in Evanston should seek positions in high-paying environments and consider pursuing specialized training or taking on shift roles that compensate more for weekends or holidays.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $66,634 for licensed practical nursesin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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