Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Palatine, IL: $70,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Palatine, IL earns a median $70,971/year (≈ $34.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Palatine's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,091 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palatine, Illinois, the compensation for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is projected to reach a median annual salary of $70,971 by 2026. This figure is notably above the national median of $68,071, indicating a local market that recognizes and rewards the specialized skills of LPNs, especially given the state's inclusivity in areas such as IV therapy and patient assessment. The salary range for LPNs in the area extends from $53,321 at the lower 10th percentile to $91,063 for the top 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect a growing demand for LPNs in diverse healthcare settings, which is essential for those navigating their career paths in this field.
About the Palatine Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,321 | $25.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,586 | $30.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,971 | $34.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,566 | $40.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,063 | $43.78 |
Median Salary Position
4.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palatine
In Palatine, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,742 (2026 est.). At $70,971, the local median is 4.26% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Palatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Palatine Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Palatine median: $70,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,830 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +4.26% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Palatine, IL earn a median of $70,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.26% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $70,830.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palatine 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.
Palatine, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $70,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,091 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,503
2025 BLS Actual
$67,144
2026 Current Est.
$70,971
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,118 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,144 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palatine metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,503 (2019) to $67,144 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,514 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palatine 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) | $53,321 – $63,586 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,586 – $70,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,971 – $83,566 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,566 – $91,063 |
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 Palatine
With 16 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Palatine, the job market remains competitive but specialized, particularly in long-term care facilities, which traditionally offer higher pay than other environments like home health agencies or physician offices. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, indicating an affordability advantage that enhances the purchasing power of LPN salaries. To maximize earnings, LPNs should consider seeking positions in skilled nursing facilities where pay tends to be more robust and pursue certifications in in-demand areas such as IV therapy, which can lead to additional stipends. Additionally, working shifts that include weekends or holidays can further lift an LPN's total compensation, enabling them to capitalize on the differences in pay across various healthcare settings in Palatine, IL.
More salary data for Palatine, 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 $67,144 for licensed practical nursesin the Palatine 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 Palatine 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