Average Registered Nurse Salary in Illinois
Registered Nurses in Illinois earn an average of $98,374 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$98,374
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.30
per hour
vs National
+5.1%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$62,996
to $146,244
About Registered Nurse Careers in Illinois
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Illinois, registered nurses earn an average of $98,374 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $62,996 for entry-level roles to $146,244 for the most experienced professionals — +5.1% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Illinois.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$98,374
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$103,552
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $98,374 has the purchasing power of $103,552 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $98,374 | $47.30/hr | $62,996 | $146,244 | 3,790 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 3,790 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$62,996
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$98,374
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$146,244
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Pharmacist
$141,894
avg in IL
+$43,520 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$133,790
avg in IL
+$35,416 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$92,372
avg in IL
-$6,002 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$61,320
avg in IL
-$37,054 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$40,175
avg in IL
-$58,199 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Illinois?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Illinois is $98,374 per year ($47.30/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.1% above the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Illinois, with a median salary of $98,374 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Illinois?
Registered Nurse salaries in Illinois range from $62,996 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $146,244 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $98,374 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Illinois. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.