What the numbers say
With roughly 100,000 Registered Nurses employed in the Chicago metro, this is one of the largest nursing labor markets in the country. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $96,480, about 12% above the Illinois median of $86,410 and just under 2% above the national median of $94,511.
The mean wage, at $94,580, sits slightly below the median. That is the opposite of what we usually see in high-wage occupations. It suggests the Chicago RN workforce skews toward mid-career nurses rather than a small group of very high earners pulling the average up.
The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $72,070 to $118,080, a gap of about $46,000. That range reflects real differences in setting and specialty. An entry-level nurse in a community clinic and a senior nurse in a Level I trauma unit or a specialized ICU are doing different work under different conditions, and the pay reflects that.
One number worth noting: the 75th percentile sits at $104,730, which means a substantial share of Chicago-area nurses are clearing six figures. The 25th percentile at $81,320 is also well above the Illinois median for all occupations, which suggests that even earlier-career nurses here earn more than the typical Illinois worker.
Salary distribution
Where Chicago registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,640 and $108,430, with a median of $100,490.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Chicago, Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Chicago metropolitan area is $100,490.
- Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Chicago metro median is +4.7% versus the Illinois state median of $95,990.
- How does Chicago compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Chicago metro median is +2.2% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Chicago?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,410 and the 90th-percentile at $119,260 for the Chicago metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.