Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cicero, IL: $87,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Cicero, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,605/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Cicero's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,221 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Cicero, Illinois, can expect a compelling trajectory in their earnings, with top earners achieving salaries reaching $87,605. This signifies a striking potential for LPNs who accumulate experience and specialize in high-demand areas. In comparison to the national top licensed practical nurse salary of $68,071, Cicero's P90 positions itself favorably, providing a notable financial incentive for skilled practitioners in the region. For LPNs to access such elevated compensation, mastering a specialization or taking on leadership roles are critical steps. Achieving the median annual salary of $68,559 requires a blend of experience and strategic positioning in a competitive marketplace.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Cicero earn between $80,510 and $87,605 per year (2026 est.). This $34,104 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cicero median of $68,559 sits 0.72% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Cicero | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,559 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,510 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,605 | $88,196 |
In Cicero, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 27.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Cicero
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $68,559 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cicero employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Cicero command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,510–$87,605 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cicero metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Cicero with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Cicero
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCicero ranks #35 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $87,605).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Cicero ($87,605) is 10.95% below the Illinois average P90 ($98,374).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,936
2025 BLS Actual
$82,881
2026 Current Est.
$87,605
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,936 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,599 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Cicero saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $62,936 in 2019 to $82,881 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,599 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Cicero
To command higher compensation, LPNs in Cicero often pursue specializations that are in high demand. Areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, and wound care not only enhance the prospect of securing senior licensed practical nurse pay in IL but can also significantly differentiate an individual in the job market. Employment settings play a vital role in salary variation as well; skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Advancement opportunities abound: many LPNs transition to roles such as nursing supervisors or consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further elevate their careers. Holding an active LPN/LVN license along with additional credentials like wound care or IV therapy certifications provides a competitive edge. Non-salary considerations such as shift differentials, weekend premiums, and setting bonuses are also key factors contributing to the overall compensation landscape for experienced licensed practical nurses in Cicero.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Cicero in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Cicero?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Cicero?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Cicero?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Cicero?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $82,881 for licensed practical nurses in the Cicero metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero 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