Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $69,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $69,019/year (≈ $33.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,080 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Lawn, Illinois, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median annual salary of $69,019 in 2026, which slightly surpasses the national median of $68,071. The compensation range for this role in the area stretches from $54,301 at the lower end to $89,099 at the upper end, providing a diverse landscape for earning potential. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities. The scope of practice in Illinois allows LPNs to perform critical tasks, such as IV therapy and patient assessments, which directly impacts compensation and demands across various healthcare settings in Oak Lawn. This is particularly relevant in a city where healthcare needs are ever-evolving, making it a dynamic environment for LPNs to thrive professionally.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,301 | $26.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,161 | $29.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,019 | $33.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,592 | $39.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,099 | $42.84 |
Median Salary Position
1.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,798 (2026 est.). At $69,019, the local median is 1.39% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $69,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,861 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +1.39% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $69,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.39% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $70,861.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $69,019 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,080 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,141
2025 BLS Actual
$65,297
2026 Current Est.
$69,019
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,663 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,953 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $48,141 (2019) to $65,297 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,953 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,812 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $54,301 – $62,161 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,161 – $69,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,019 – $81,592 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,592 – $89,099 |
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 Oak Lawn
Evaluating the job market in Oak Lawn reveals strong opportunities for licensed practical nurses, with 14 currently employed in the area. The local cost-of-living index of 97.1 signifies that residents enjoy a slightly lower living cost than the national average, potentially enhancing the purchasing power of LPN salaries. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities often provide the most lucrative positions, reflecting a comparative demand for comprehensive care services. Various factors contribute to the salary spectrum, including differentials for shifts, additional stipends for IV therapy certifications, and pay enhancements for weekends and holidays. For LPNs seeking to maximize their pay in Oak Lawn, pursuing opportunities in long-term care settings, obtaining certifications, as well as considering positions requiring additional responsibilities may prove beneficial in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Oak Lawn, IL in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Oak Lawn?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Oak Lawn?
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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 $65,297 for licensed practical nursesin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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