HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Registered Nurse Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$111,261/yr
Typical range: $126,390 – $148,938
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$111,261
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$134,862
Staff · 10
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Registered Nurse salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Registered Nurses in Chicago, IL earn approximately $111K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Registered Nurse make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $111K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Registered Nurse in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Registered Nurse in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$149K/yr.