Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Oak Park, IL: $52,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Oak Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,063 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,618 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,315) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Oak Park, Illinois, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $52,063 in 2026. This starting figure is considerably lower than the city’s median salary of $70,315, indicating a potential gap in compensation for entry-level positions. However, the career trajectory for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the region is favorable, with the possibility of earning $66,427 as early as their first few years in practice. Given the projected 5.70% annual growth rate for this profession, Oak Park appears to provide a promising market for new graduate licensed practical nurse pay in IL, especially for those who are eager to gain experience and advance in their careers.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Park
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Oak Park, IL typically start between $52,063 and $66,427 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,841 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,315 — 3.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $16,000 represents just 30.73% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,063/year) in Oak Park. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oak Park
- 1Research the Oak Park market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,063 to $66,427, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oak Park, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oak Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oak Park's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Oak Park is $36,841 ( 70.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,063, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,904.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,223
2025 BLS Actual
$49,255
2026 Current Est.
$52,063
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,223 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,030 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Park, IL grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,223 in 2019 to $49,255 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,030. New graduates entering the Oak Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Oak Park
In Oak Park, various employers play an essential role in hiring new LPN graduates. Skilled nursing facilities are significant contributors, often providing robust on-the-job training, while home health agencies attract those seeking flexible shifts and work-life balance. Meanwhile, physician offices typically prefer candidates with relevant clinical experience. To enhance starting pay, aspiring LPNs should ensure they hold an active Illinois LPN license and have completed a 12-18 month accredited practical nursing program. Additionally, passing the NCLEX-PN exam is crucial, and pursuing optional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further increase compensation potential. As entry-level licensed practical nurses gain experience, many may consider career advancement options such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries over the first three years in the profession.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Oak Park in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Oak Park?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oak Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov