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
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 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by 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
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.