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2026 Salary Guide

How much do Registered Nurses make in Chicago?

Real salary data from market sources, adjusted for Chicago cost of living. Updated for 2026.

Starting$82,110
Average$94,185
Top Earners$111,090
+5.8% year over year for Registered Nurse+2.1% year over year in Chicago

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level0-2 years
$74,865
$62,790$86,940
Mid Level3-6 years
$94,185
$82,110$111,090
Senior Level7+ years
$118,335
$102,638$138,863

What You Should Know

  • A mid-level Registered Nurse in Chicago typically earns around $94,185 per year.
  • Depending on experience, salaries range from $62,790 for entry-level up to $138,863 for top senior earners.
  • Chicago salaries are 5% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.
  • Registered Nurse pay is growing at 5.8% year over year — demand for this role remains strong.

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