Average Registered Nurses Salary in Illinois
Registered Nurses in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $91,130, which is slightly below the national average of $97,850. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors including the state's cost of living and the specific demand dynamics within Illinois' healthcare sector. Understanding these local nuances is key for nursing professionals operating in the Prairie State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,320.
- Outlook: Illinois boasts a substantial registered nursing workforce of 139,900 individuals, indicating a significant presence in the healthcare landscape. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of RNs in Illinois is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare systems.
Salary Overview
The average Registered Nurses in Illinois earns-6.9%below the national average.
$43.8
$1,753
$7,594
Registered Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for Registered Nurses has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and evolving healthcare needs. This trend likely translates to a steady increase in average salaries for RNs in Illinois, reflecting the ongoing importance and value of their contributions to patient care.
Registered Nurses Salary Distribution in Illinois
Salary progression for Registered Nurses in Illinois typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the nursing profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,930 | $31.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $68,348 | $32.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $86,410 | $41.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $113,913 | $54.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $112,320 | $54 |
Detailed Registered Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,270
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $91,130 for Registered Nurses in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power, potentially allowing for a comfortable lifestyle for nurses residing in Illinois.
Job Market Context
139,900
Total Jobs
23.066
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Registered Nurses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates that Registered Nurses are slightly more concentrated in Illinois compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, if not exceeding, the national level, making it a competitive yet potentially rewarding environment for nursing professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Registered Nurses Salary | $81,310↓ 11% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Registered Nurses Salary | $82,360↓ 10% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Registered Nurses Salary | $86,380↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Registered Nurses Salary | $83,830↓ 8% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Registered Nurses Salary | $86,430↓ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Registered Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurses make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurses in Illinois is $91,130. This typically ranges from $64,930 for entry-level positions to $112,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 6.9% lower than the national median of $97,850.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Registered Nurses?
Yes, with caveats.Illinois offers a competitive average salary for Registered Nurses that, when combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides good earning potential. The state's robust workforce concentration also points to consistent demand.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Registered Nurses?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($81,310) and Decatur, IL.
How does experience impact an RN's salary in Illinois?
Experience is a significant factor in RN compensation in Illinois. As nurses gain more experience, specialize in certain fields, or move into leadership roles, their salaries typically increase, moving them into higher earning percentiles.
Is the job market for RNs growing in Illinois?
Given the substantial workforce size and a Location Quotient slightly above the national average, the job market for RNs in Illinois appears robust and likely experiencing growth, aligning with national trends in healthcare demand.
How does Illinois' cost of living compare to the national average?
Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is lower than the national average of 100. This means that, on average, goods and services are less expensive in Illinois than in the rest of the United States.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for RNs in Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 1.08 signifies that Illinois has a slightly higher concentration of Registered Nurses relative to its general workforce compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for the profession within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 139,900 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 23.066 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Registered Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois