Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $95,990 | $98,331 | -2% |
| Median hourly wage | $46.15 | $47.27 | -2% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $95,990.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $90,374 | $68,250 | $110,250 | 107 |
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Illinois is $95,990, or about $46.15 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Registered Nurses is $98,331. Illinois is -2% below the national median.
Entry-level registered nurses in Illinois typically earn from $68,250 depending on the city and employer.
With 138,910 registered nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $95,990, Illinois offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.