Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median registered nurse salary in Chicago, IL is $88,530 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$88,530
vs State Avg
+$9,747
vs National
+$7,310
Cost of Living
107%

Registered Nurse Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median registered nurse salary of $88,530, which is $9,747 above the Illinois state average of $78,783. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Chicago spans from $62,566 at the 10th percentile to $131,672 at the 90th percentile — a $69,106 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,220, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $125,350. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $63,220, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,220
+$5,220 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,380
+$7,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,350
+$10,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $62,566
25th Percentile $72,812
Median (50th) $88,530
75th Percentile $110,199
90th Percentile $131,672

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,342
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$78,783
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$70,661
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$68,225
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Chicago

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Chicago

Browse open registered nurse positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Chicago, Illinois is $88,530 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $62,566 (10th percentile) to $131,672 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,530, a registered nurse in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Chicago's median registered nurse salary of $88,530 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $78,783. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $88,530 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Chicago? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.