Chicago vs Springfield: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Chicago, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,826▲ | $88,692 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.88▲ | $42.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,520▲ | $72,843 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,028▲ | $83,205 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,188▲ | $107,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,593▲ | $112,829 |
| Total Employed | 100,240▲ | 4,110 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Chicago and Springfield is $17,134 (19.32%). Chicago's median is +3.01% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $44,073,Springfield spans $39,986. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($102,154 effective) pays 6.82% more than Springfield ($95,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,593)
- ✓Larger job market (100,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,154)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Chicago grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$75,700 (2019) → $100,490 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$69,310 (2019) → $84,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Chicago or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Springfield as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Chicago vs Springfield?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov