Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $32.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Downers Grove, IL runs $32.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,575 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,550 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Downers Grove, Illinois, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $32.49 in 2026, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This compensation level can represent a rewarding opportunity for part-time workers, such as those picking up shifts three days a week, who can expect to earn a solid income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem workers in varied settings—like skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living medication rooms—may find their earnings fluctuate depending on demand, with entry-level roles starting at around $26.45 and top earners reaching up to $41.78. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a clear snapshot of earnings potential in this essential healthcare role.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.45 | $211.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
| Median (P50) | $32.49 | $259.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.50 | $307.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.78 | $334.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $32.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.49/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $67,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,991. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.69 | $5,632 | $67,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.81 | $3,379 | $40,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.87 | $2,253 | $27,033 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Downers Grove) | $32.49 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $67,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $70,833.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.49/hr = $40,550/year (purchasing power: $41,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,584/year (purchasing power: $69,602).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Downers Grove grew 35.6% from $22.66/hr (2019) to $30.74/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Downers Grove
When considering the specifics of part-time work, LPNs in Downers Grove who work approximately 24 hours a week may take home a significant supplement to their income compared to full-time salaries. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Downers Grove can fall between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency LPNs at understaffed nursing facilities might command rates as high as $60 per hour. Variations in hourly rates across employer types also reflect the unique demands in long-term care environments versus those found in hospitals or physician offices. While some LPNs may choose lower hourly wages for the benefit of health insurance and job stability, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits when negotiating their contracts. It's crucial for LPNs to understand market trends and articulate their experience when discussing compensation, ensuring they receive fair wages for their work.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Downers Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downers Grove 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