Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joliet, IL: $70,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Joliet, IL earns a median $70,373/year (≈ $33.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the compensation for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is projected to reach a median annual salary of $70,373 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $68,071. This salary range is reflective of the varying demands of the role, with the lowest earners making approximately $54,502 and the highest seeing salaries around $92,584. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, consider factors such as the state's LPN scope-of-practice rules, which grant additional responsibilities such as IV therapy and patient assessments. The local job market outcomes for LPNs suggest a competitive landscape, vital for those considering their career trajectories in nursing.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,502 | $26.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,235 | $30.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,373 | $33.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,973 | $40.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,584 | $44.51 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,082 (2026 est.). At $70,373, the local median is 3.38% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Joliet median: $70,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,798 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +3.38% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Joliet, IL earn a median of $70,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $70,798.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $70,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,475 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,086
2025 BLS Actual
$66,578
2026 Current Est.
$70,373
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,086 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,467 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,578 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,086 (2019) to $66,578 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,298 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $54,502 – $64,235 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,235 – $70,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,373 – $83,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,973 – $92,584 |
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 Joliet
Employment prospects remain stable in Joliet, with about 25 licensed practical nurses currently working within the area. The cost of living index is at 97.1, indicating a lower than average living expense, which enhances the practical purchasing power of LPN salaries. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay in Joliet, alongside increased compensation options available in long-term care and home health agencies. Factors that can widen the pay gap include shift differentials, weekend or holiday premiums, and additional stipends for IV therapy certifications. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Joliet should seek opportunities with skilled nursing facilities where the pay tends to be higher, and consider positions that offer incentives for additional skills or demanding shifts.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $66,578 for licensed practical nursesin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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