Illinois ranks 24th of 51 states and D.C. for registered nurses pay, trailing top-paying California ($140,330) by $53,920 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $64,930 to $112,320 — a $47,390 spread, 32% tighter than the national $69,290 range.
Illinois employs roughly 4.3% of all registered nurses in the country (139,900 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $64,930 | $31.22 |
| 25th percentile | $79,150 | $38.05 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,410 | $41.54 |
| 75th percentile | $103,660 | $49.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $112,320 | $54.00 |
| Mean (average) | $91,130 | $43.81 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $86,410 | n/a |
| California | $140,330 | +62% |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | +58% |
| Oregon | $123,990 | +43% |
| Washington | $112,180 | +30% |
| Alaska | $110,690 | +28% |
| New York | $105,600 | +22% |
| District of Columbia | $104,550 | +21% |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | +19% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $86,330 | 2,850 |
| Insurance Underwriters | $84,580 | 8,480 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $89,010 | 1,330 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,580 | 1,700 |
| Computer Programmers | $83,460 | 1,470 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $89,740 | 3,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurses salary in Illinois?
The mean registered nurses salary in Illinois is $91,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $86,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurses in Illinois?
Entry-level registered nursess (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $64,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $79,150 per year.
What is the highest Registered Nurses salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $112,320 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $103,660 per year.
How does the Illinois Registered Nurses salary compare to the national average?
The median registered nurses salary in Illinois is $86,410, which is -8% below national average of $93,600.