May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in Illinois
The median registered nurse in Illinois earns $95,990/year ($46.15/hr) — 2% below the national median.
Median pay
$95,990/yr
Hourly median
$46.15/hr
State rank
#21 of 51
Employed
138,910
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in Illinois
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33.26 | $69,170 |
| 25th percentile | $38.47 | $80,020 |
| Median (50th) | $46.15 | $95,990 |
| 75th percentile | $50.94 | $105,960 |
| 90th percentile | $56.82 | $118,190 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in Illinois out-earn the bottom decile by $23.56/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Where do you fall on this curve?
Enter your pay to see your exact percentile among Illinois registered nurses — free, and your salary never leaves your browser.
Free salary check
What do people in your role actually earn?
Registered Nurses in Illinois earn
$33.26–$56.82 /hour
Median $95,990/year · 138,910 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
Want to move up this curve?
Use the checker above to unlock a raise plan for your experience level — or explore courses that raise earning power and the free workplace fit quiz.
Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Illinois?
The median registered nurse in Illinois earns $95,990 per year, or $46.15 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $69,170 (10th percentile) and $118,190 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in Illinois?
Top-quartile registered nurses in Illinois earn $105,960 or more per year ($50.94/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Illinois compare to other states for registered nurses?
Illinois ranks #21 of 51 states, with a median 2% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Illinois?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $69,170–$80,020 per year ($33.26–$38.47/hr) in Illinois.