Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Waukegan, IL: $95,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Waukegan, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $95,439/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Waukegan's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,289 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the experienced licensed practical nurse salary in Waukegan, Illinois, is projected to reach a median of $70,932, with top earners in the 90th percentile earning as much as $95,439 annually. This top-tier potential allows seasoned professionals—those with over seven years of experience—to significantly outpace the median, highlighting a substantial experience premium that can lead to higher compensation. Achieving this level of pay often requires a combination of advanced certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, and specialization in high-demand areas like long-term care or hospice services. Navigating the complexities of health care, experienced LPNs must strategically position themselves to leverage these skills and credentials to attain the upper echelons of Waukegan's salary spectrum, which stands roughly 4.20% above the national median of $68,071 for licensed practical nurses.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Waukegan earn between $83,472 and $95,439 per year (2026 est.). This $41,920 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waukegan median of $70,932 sits 4.2% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Waukegan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $70,932 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,472 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $95,439 | $88,196 |
In Waukegan, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 34.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Waukegan
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $70,932 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waukegan employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Waukegan command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,472–$95,439 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaukegan ranks #4 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $95,439).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Waukegan ($95,439) is 2.98% below the Illinois average P90 ($98,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,563
2025 BLS Actual
$90,292
2026 Current Est.
$95,439
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
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 | $68,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,879 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Waukegan saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $68,563 in 2019 to $90,292 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 $100,879 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Waukegan
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in Waukegan varies across different employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings frequently offering some of the highest pay rates. Specializations that command a premium, such as IV therapy, wound care, and pediatric home care, can further boost earnings, making these credentials vital for professionals looking to maximize their income. Career advancement opportunities abound, with paths leading to positions like charge LPN or nursing supervisor, where leadership roles often come with enhanced pay. Additionally, pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can open doors to even greater salary potential. The setting of employment plays a critical role; for instance, skilled nursing facilities usually provide higher non-salary compensation, including shift differentials and additional stipends for certifications. In a landscape where 35% of LPNs are employed in long-term care nationally, tapping into these opportunities is essential for increasing senior licensed practical nurse pay in IL.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Waukegan in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Waukegan?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Waukegan?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Waukegan?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Waukegan?
Related Pages
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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 $90,292 for licensed practical nurses in the Waukegan 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 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