Champaign vs Chicago: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,021 | $105,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.68 | $50.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,573 | $81,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,773 | $87,028▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,099 | $114,188▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,215▲ | $125,593 |
| Total Employed | 3,520 | 100,240▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $10,805 (11.37%). 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 Champaign spans $47,642,Chicago spans $44,073. Champaign 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, Champaign ($102,499 effective) pays 0.34% more than Chicago ($102,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,215)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,499)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,826/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Champaign grew 49.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$60,210 (2019) → $90,230 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$75,700 (2019) → $100,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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