Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $87,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Des Plaines, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,334/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Des Plaines's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,942 in average-cost America. The 28% 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 Des Plaines, IL, have the potential to command impressive salaries, reflecting both the high demand and specialized skills required in this field. Top earners can expect to make around $87,334 annually, with the third quartile earners closely following at $80,311. This earning potential stands out in comparison to the national average, where the top licensed practical nurse salary is slightly lower. The substantial gap between the $68,475 median salary and these top-tier salaries highlights the value placed on experience and specialization. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires sustained professional development, additional certifications, and often a strong emphasis on areas with acute nursing shortages.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Des Plaines earn between $80,311 and $87,334 per year (2026 est.). This $34,031 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Plaines median of $68,475 sits 0.59% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Plaines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,475 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,311 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,334 | $88,196 |
In Des Plaines, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 27.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Des Plaines
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $68,475 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Plaines employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Des Plaines command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,311–$87,334 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Plaines ranks #38 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $87,334).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Des Plaines ($87,334) is 11.22% below the Illinois average P90 ($98,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,740
2025 BLS Actual
$82,624
2026 Current Est.
$87,334
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,108 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,312 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Des Plaines saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $62,740 in 2019 to $82,624 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 $92,312 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Specialized skills significantly affect senior licensed practical nurse pay in Illinois, particularly in areas such as long-term care, IV therapy certification, wound care, and hospice and palliative care. Each of these specialties enables experienced licensed practical nurses to command higher wages, particularly in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Employer types also influence compensation; LPNs working in hospitals or correctional facilities may experience different salary scales compared to those in assisted living communities. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities abound, including roles such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or MDS coordinator, creating pathways for nurses to increase their compensation significantly. Advanced credentials such as an active LPN/LVN license and specialized certifications play a critical role in achieving these higher pay levels. Additionally, non-salary compensation avenues, like shift differentials and weekend premiums, further enhance the overall earnings potential for experienced LPNs in Des Plaines, solidifying the financial benefits of advanced practice within this profession.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Des Plaines in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Des Plaines?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Des Plaines?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Des Plaines?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Des Plaines?
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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 $82,624 for licensed practical nurses in the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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