HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$73,753/yr
Typical range: $74,534 – $87,831
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Registered Nurse salary by experience level in Chicago
Registered Nurse Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $73,753 | $6,146 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,610 | $7,551 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $100,444 | $8,370 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $111,261 | $9,272 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $134,862 | $11,239 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $155,091 | $12,924 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $160,149 | $13,346 | +117% |
Current Salary
$73,753
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$90,610
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Registered Nurse salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Registered Nurses in Chicago, IL earn approximately $74K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Registered Nurse make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $74K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Registered Nurse in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Registered Nurse in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$149K/yr.