Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $34.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Waukegan, IL runs $34.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,555 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected at $34.10 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $32.73 by approximately 4.20%. This competitive rate reflects the essential services these healthcare professionals provide in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. For part-time or per-diem licensed practical nurses, working as little as three days a week could make a significant difference in their take-home income, especially given the demand across various healthcare environments. The hourly earnings in Waukegan range from $25.73 for entry-level positions to $45.88 for top earners, illustrating the potential for increased compensation based on experience and work environment.
About the Waukegan 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) | $25.73 | $205.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.53 | $244.21 |
| Median (P50) | $34.10 | $272.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.13 | $321.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.88 | $367.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $34.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.10/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $70,926 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,919. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,363.95 | $5,910 | $70,926 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.37 | $3,546 | $42,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.58 | $2,364 | $28,370 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Waukegan) | $34.10 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $70,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $70,861.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.10/hr = $42,555/year (purchasing power: $43,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,926/year (purchasing power: $73,044).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Waukegan grew 35.6% from $23.78/hr (2019) to $32.26/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.04/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Considering the financial landscape, a part-time licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week could earn a stable income, while full-time positions capitalize on more comprehensive benefits. Per diem opportunities in Waukegan see licensed practical nurses earning between $28 and $42 an hour. Agency and travel contracts, although not as common, can push earnings to between $45 and $60 per hour in understaffed facilities. Each employer type—whether it's a nursing home, home health agency, or hospital—offers different compensation structures. Many LPNs may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, which adds a layer of complexity to compensation decisions. Negotiation skills can also play a key role; understanding local salary standards can empower licensed practical nurses to advocate effectively for their worth in the competitive Waukegan market.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Waukegan in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Waukegan?
Are licensed practical nurses in Waukegan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Waukegan?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Waukegan?
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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