Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago, IL
Registered Nurse salaries in Chicago range from $66,000 to $138,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $93,000, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$66,000 – $78,000
Median: $72,000 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$84,000 – $102,000
Median: $93,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$108,000 – $138,000
Median: $123,000 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago, IL
Estimated†$96,000–$120,000/year
Median: $108,000 per year (adjusted for Chicago cost of living)
Junior
$72,000
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$93,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$123,000
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Chicago
Cost of Living Levelhigh
Population2.7M
Top IndustriesFinance & Trading, Technology, Manufacturing
vs National Average+20%
Top Employers in Chicago
BoeingUnited AirlinesAbbott LaboratoriesSalesforceMcDonald's Corporation
How Chicago Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $93,000 | high |
| New York, NY | $112,375 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $112,375 | very high |
| Houston, TX | $77,500 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $77,500 | moderate |
| Philadelphia, PA | $93,000 | high |