Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$78,070/year
about $37.53 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $72,860 – $81,080
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Chicago metro area earn more than $78,070 a year and half earn less. That's 21% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,200 | $29.90 |
| 25th | $72,860 | $35.03 |
| Median (50th) | $78,070 | $37.53 |
| 75th | $81,080 | $38.98 |
| 90th (top earners) | $96,530 | $46.41 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $72,860 ($35.03/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $72,860 to $81,080 ($35.03 to $38.98/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $81,080 ($38.98/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.