Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Board of Nursing. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required, and applicants must generally be at least 18 years old. Illinois does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so LPNs licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 20.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 is generally required. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is mandatory. Specific continuing education hours must include 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training, 1 hour of implicit bias awareness training, and for those providing care to patients 26 years and older, a 1-hour course on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. |
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Illinois
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Illinois is $66,030 per year, which is 5.9% above the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,150 |
| 25th | $59,380 |
| 50th (median) | $66,030 |
| 75th | $77,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,940 |
Illinois employs approximately 18,230 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.