Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Illinois

The median registered nurse salary in Illinois is $78,783 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$78,783
vs National
$-2,437
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Registered Nurse Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $56,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,550 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,260
$-1,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,550
$-3,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $55,678
25th Percentile $64,796
Median (50th) $78,783
75th Percentile $98,067
90th Percentile $117,176

Major Cities for Registered Nurses in Illinois

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Chicago, IL
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Aurora, IL
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Naperville, IL
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Rockford, IL
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Springfield, IL
Metro area for registered nurse employment

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Illinois

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.