Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Waukegan, IL: $70,932 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Waukegan, IL earns a median $70,932/year (≈ $34.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $73,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, the estimated 2026 median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is projected at $70,932, which is slightly higher than the national median of $68,071. Local salaries for this role range from $53,519 at the 10th percentile to $95,439 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse employment settings and varying responsibilities that LPNs undertake in the state. Illinois has specific scope-of-practice rules that allow LPNs to perform essential tasks such as IV therapy and patient assessment, emphasizing their vital role in medical settings. These salary figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, positioning Waukegan as a competitive market for practical nursing professionals.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,519 | $25.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,504 | $30.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,932 | $34.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,472 | $40.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,439 | $45.88 |
Median Salary Position
4.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,920 (2026 est.). At $70,932, the local median is 4.2% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $70,932/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,861 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +4.20% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $70,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $70,861.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $70,932 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,050 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,476
2025 BLS Actual
$67,107
2026 Current Est.
$70,932
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,872 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,241 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,932 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,476 (2019) to $67,107 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,499 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $53,519 – $63,504 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,504 – $70,932 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,932 – $83,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,472 – $95,439 |
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 Waukegan
Analyzing the job market reveals a local employment landscape where 18 licensed practical nurses are currently active, which reflects a stable demand for LPNs in the area. Waukegan's cost of living index is 97.1, which is below the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of a licensed practical nurse salary in Waukegan can go further compared to other regions. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, with additional pay incentives for LPNs who hold IV therapy certifications or work weekends and holidays. The differences in pay can be attributed to the various healthcare settings, as long-term care tends to compensate more than home health agencies or physician offices. To enhance earning potential, LPNs should consider obtaining specialty certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, and exploring charge roles that might offer increased pay opportunities within the Waukegan market.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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 $67,107 for licensed practical nursesin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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