Oak Park vs Rockford: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Oak Park, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Park, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,315 | $74,085▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.80 | $35.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,063 | $55,144▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,427▲ | $64,995 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,004▲ | $81,156 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,904▲ | $87,160 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Park.
The salary gap between Oak Park and Rockford is $3,770 (5.36%). Rockford's median is +8.83% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Park spans $36,841,Rockford spans $32,016. Oak Park has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($80,393 effective) pays 11.02% more than Oak Park ($72,415 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,904)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,085/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,393)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Oak Park grew 11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Oak Park, IL
$59,764 (2024) → $66,523 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$50,060 (2019) → $70,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Park, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Oak Park or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Park and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Oak Park to Rockford as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Oak Park vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov