Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Berwyn, IL: $87,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Berwyn, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,843/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Berwyn's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,467 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, senior licensed practical nurses in Berwyn, Illinois, can expect compensation that reflects their substantial experience in the field. With a median annual salary of $69,989, top earners stand to make as much as $87,843, positioning them well above the national average for similar roles, which sits at $68,071. This indicates a clear premium associated with experience, as evidenced by the notable difference between the median and the higher pay brackets. To achieve such top-tier salaries, nurses need to leverage their skills through specialization and possibly pursue advanced credentials, allowing them to maximize their earning potential in a competitive market like Berwyn.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Berwyn earn between $81,235 and $87,843 per year (2026 est.). This $36,540 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Berwyn median of $69,989 sits 2.82% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Berwyn | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,989 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,235 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,843 | $88,196 |
In Berwyn, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Berwyn
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $69,989 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Berwyn employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Berwyn command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,235–$87,843 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Berwyn metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Berwyn with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Berwyn
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBerwyn ranks #34 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $87,843).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Berwyn ($87,843) is 10.71% below the Illinois average P90 ($98,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,106
2025 BLS Actual
$83,106
2026 Current Est.
$87,843
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,258 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,850 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Berwyn saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $63,106 in 2019 to $83,106 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,850 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Berwyn
Specialty areas significantly influence senior licensed practical nurse pay in Berwyn, particularly for those engaged in long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and IV therapy. Employers vary widely, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often providing enhanced compensation compared to physician offices. Leadership roles such as charge LPN and nursing supervisor present additional pathways for career advancement, further enhancing salary potential. Seeking out certifications in IV therapy or wound care also elevates professional standing and pay projections in this state. Moreover, non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, are crucial factors in overall compensation. Understanding these nuances allows experienced licensed practical nurses to strategically navigate their careers, capitalizing on both financial rewards and personal growth opportunities available within the Illinois healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Berwyn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Berwyn in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Berwyn?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Berwyn?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Berwyn?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Berwyn?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $83,106 for licensed practical nurses in the Berwyn metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berwyn 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