Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Healthcare · COL Index: 107.3
$96,480
Median Salary
$94,580
Mean Salary
$89,916
COL-Adjusted
100,620
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $72,070 | $67,167 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,320 | $75,788 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $96,480 | $89,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,730 | $97,605 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $118,080 | $110,047 |
What Drives the Range
The $46,010 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Registered Nurse positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $96,480 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $89,916 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.