Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $40.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in East Chicago, IN runs $40.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,982 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Chicago, the registered nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $40.05 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.39. This disparity presents unique challenges and opportunities for RNs, especially those considering part-time work or per-diem positions in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For instance, a nurse working three 12-hour shifts a week would earn approximately $62,444 annually, allowing flexibility while providing essential care. The hourly wages range from $29.47 for entry-level positions to $55.41 for the top earners, indicating potential for growth in this vital profession despite regional economic conditions.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.47 | $235.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.39 | $267.15 |
| Median (P50) | $40.05 | $320.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.01 | $368.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.41 | $443.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $40.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.05/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $83,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,059. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,601.98 | $6,942 | $83,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $961.19 | $4,165 | $49,982 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.79 | $2,777 | $33,321 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (East Chicago) | $40.05 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in East Chicago, IN earn a median of $83,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.92% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $86,316.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.05/hr = $49,982/year (purchasing power: $54,744).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,303/year (purchasing power: $91,241).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in East Chicago grew 33.1% from $28.58/hr (2019) to $38.03/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.18/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Chicago metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in East Chicago
For part-time RNs, especially those on a 24-hour workweek, the annual take-home can be significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem registered nurse pay in East Chicago can vary widely, with some professionals billing from $50 to $80 an hour depending on their specialties, while travel nursing remains a lucrative option, with rates frequently exceeding $2,000 to $4,500 per week in other markets. Factors such as employer type can greatly influence hourly rates; nurses in acute care or specialized surgical centers often earn more than those in ambulatory clinics. Additionally, many may face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lesser pay that includes health insurance. Effective negotiation becomes crucial—understanding the market value for particular specialties and preparing to leverage certifications can lead to better compensation outcomes in East Chicago, IN.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in East Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time registered nurses make in East Chicago?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in East Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Chicago is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov