Last Updated: April 2026
Charge Nurse Salary in Illinois (2026)
Charge Nurses in Illinois earn an average of $83,565/year ($40.18/hr) in 2026 — 1% above the national average of $82,750/year. Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for Charge Nurse pay.
Charge Nurse Salary in Illinois vs. Other States
The table below shows the top 5 highest-paying states for Charge Nurses alongside Illinois and the national average.
Charge Nurse Salary by State — Top 5 + Illinois
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $135,852 | $65.31/hr |
| Hawaii | $115,190 | $55.38/hr |
| Massachusetts | $105,032 | $50.50/hr |
| New York | $101,762 | $48.92/hr |
| Oregon | $100,488 | $48.31/hr |
| Illinois (your state, #16) | $83,565 | $40.18/hr |
| National Average | $82,750 | $39.78/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections
Charge Nurse Salary in Illinois by Experience
Experience is a major driver of pay. In Illinois, a new grad Charge Nurse starts around $66,852/year, while a nurse with 16+ years earns up to $108,635/year.
Charge Nurse Pay by Experience — Illinois
| Experience Level | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0–1 yr) | $66,852 | $32.14/hr |
| 2–3 years | $75,209 | $36.16/hr |
| 4–6 years | $83,565 | $40.18/hr |
| 7–10 years | $93,593 | $45.00/hr |
| 11–15 years | $101,949 | $49.01/hr |
| 16+ years | $108,635 | $52.23/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel survey data, 2026
Certifications & Pay Impact in Illinois
Additional leadership responsibilities and shift differentials can add $5,000–$12,000/year in Illinois.
Travel Charge Nurse Pay in Illinois
Travel Charge Nurses in Illinois typically earn 35–70% more than staff nurses — roughly $125,348–$142,061/year when annualized. The premium reflects facility demand, housing stipends, and contract flexibility.
See travel nurse specialty salary data →National Charge Nurse Salary Overview
For the full national picture — all 50 states, experience breakdowns, and certification premiums — see the complete Charge Nurse salary guide.
View full Charge Nursesalary guide — all states, experience levels & certifications →Top Cities for Charge Nurses in Illinois
Charge Nurse pay in Illinois varies by metro area. See city-level RN salary data, top hospitals, and local market context.
Charge Nurse Salary in Other States
See how Illinois compares to the top-paying states for Charge Nurses.
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📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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