Rockford vs Wheeling: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,085▲ | $69,142 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.62▲ | $33.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,144 | $56,738▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,995 | $65,088▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,156 | $82,358▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,160 | $89,369▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $4,943 (7.15%). 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 Rockford spans $32,016,Wheeling spans $32,631. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($80,393 effective) pays 12.90% more than Wheeling ($71,207 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,369)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Rockford grew 40.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$50,060 (2019) → $70,090 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$58,767 (2024) → $65,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Rockford or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Wheeling as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Rockford vs Wheeling?
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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