Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Aurora, IL: $69,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Aurora, IL earns a median $69,944/year (≈ $33.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,033 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Aurora, IL, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $69,944, reflecting a competitive pay environment that slightly exceeds the national median of $68,071. This pay scale spans from a lower tenth percentile at $53,511 to an upper ninety percentile at $91,162, indicating diverse opportunities for LPNs based on experience and specialty. The compensation figures provided here are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic variables, and highlight the effects of Illinois' scope-of-practice laws, which permit LPNs to administer IV therapy and conduct patient assessments. Such responsibilities add depth to the role and can influence earning potential, particularly in settings that prioritize these advanced skills.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,511 | $25.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,829 | $29.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,944 | $33.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,952 | $39.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,162 | $43.82 |
Median Salary Position
2.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,651 (2026 est.). At $69,944, the local median is 2.75% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Aurora median: $69,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $70,865 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +2.75% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Aurora, IL earn a median of $69,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $70,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $69,944 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,033 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,786
2025 BLS Actual
$66,172
2026 Current Est.
$69,944
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,786 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,393 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,374 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,931 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $48,786 (2019) to $66,172 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,931 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,145 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,511 – $61,829 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,829 – $69,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,944 – $82,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,952 – $91,162 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Aurora
In Aurora, the job market for licensed practical nurses remains robust, with 44 LPNs currently employed in the area. The cost of living index sits at 97.1, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power can be considered when evaluating total compensation. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, followed by home health agencies, hospitals, and physician offices. The pay disparity can also be attributed to work setting; for instance, LPNs in long-term care may benefit from higher pay rates, shift differentials, and additional stipends for specialized certifications such as IV therapy. To maximize earning potential in Aurora, aspiring LPNs might consider pursuing extra certifications or seeking positions in high-demand healthcare environments, particularly those that align with their skills and interests.
More salary data for Aurora, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,172 for licensed practical nursesin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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