Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Cicero, IL.

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A Local's Guide to Being an LPN in Cicero, IL

As a career analyst who’s spent years dissecting the healthcare job market from Chicago’s Loop to the suburbs, I can tell you that Cicero offers a unique proposition for Licensed Practical Nurses. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but it’s a densely populated town intimately connected to one of the nation’s largest healthcare hubs: Chicago. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a data-driven, on-the-ground look at what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Cicero Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The job market for LPNs in Cicero is directly tied to the broader Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area. The pay is competitive, but it’s essential to understand the context of the cost of living.

Median Salary: $55,046/year
Hourly Rate: $26.46/hour
National Average: $54,620/year

The median salary in the metro area sits just above the national average. While that might seem modest, remember that Cicero’s location provides access to high-paying specialty facilities in downtown Chicago and the affluent North Shore suburbs, which can pull the average up. In Cicero itself, you’ll find salaries clustered around that median.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression for an LPN in the Cicero/Chicago metro area typically follows this trajectory. These are realistic estimates based on market data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Cicero Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $62,000
Senior	8-15 years	$62,000 - $70,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$68,000 - $80,000+

Note: Salaries in downtown Chicago hospitals or specialized clinics can exceed these ranges by 10-15%.

Comparison to Other IL Cities

How does Cicero stack up against other Illinois cities? It’s a mid-tier market, offering more stability than rural areas but slightly lower pay than the Chicago core.

City	Median Annual Salary (LPN)	Cost of Living Index
Cicero (Metro)	$55,046	102.6
Chicago (City)	$56,800	134.6
Rockford	$50,200	92.5
Peoria	$49,800	90.1
Springfield	$51,100	93.2

Insider Tip: The key to maximizing your income in Cicero is to work for a large, unionized hospital system in the city (like Rush or Northwestern) while living in Cicero for the more affordable housing. Many nurses do this exact commute.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what a $55,046 annual salary means for your monthly life in Cicero. We’ll assume you’re single, filing as a single person, and taking the standard deduction. (Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $55,046/year)

Item	Estimated Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,587	(55,046 / 12)
Federal/State/SS/Medicare Taxes	~$1,050	(Approx. 23% effective rate)
Net Monthly Pay	~$3,537	Your take-home pay
Average 1BR Rent in Cicero	$1,231	(From provided city context)
Utilities & Internet	$150 - $200	Varies by season
Car Payment/Insurance/Transit	$300 - $600	CTA is a major option
Groceries & Essentials	$300 - $400
Healthcare (if not covered)	$100 - $300	Often covered by employer
Discretionary/Debt/Savings	$1,106 - $1,456	Remaining

Can they afford to buy a home?
With Cicero’s median home price around $300,000, a standard 20% down payment is $60,000. On a $55,046 salary, saving that amount would take significant discipline. However, it’s not impossible. With the $1,100+ monthly surplus shown above, aggressive saving over 5-6 years is feasible. First-time homebuyer programs in Illinois (like the IHDA) can help with down payment assistance. It’s a long-term goal, not an immediate one for most new arrivals.

Where the Jobs Are: Cicero's Major Employers

Cicero itself is a residential and commercial town. The real healthcare employers are in the immediate vicinity, with many residents commuting 10-20 minutes to Chicago or nearby suburbs. The 162 jobs available in the metro area (per the data) are spread across these key players:

1. Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL): A top-tier academic hospital. They value LPNs for their skilled nursing units and are known for strong benefits and tuition reimbursement. Hiring is competitive but steady.
2. Norwegian American Hospital (Chicago, IL): Located in the West Town neighborhood, this is a major safety-net hospital serving a diverse, immigrant-heavy population. They have a high volume of LPN positions in med-surg and rehabilitation units.
3. MacNeal Hospital (Berwyn, IL): Just west of Cicero, this is a Level II Trauma Center. It’s one of the largest regional employers. They frequently hire LPNs for their inpatient floors and often serve as a training ground for nurses new to the area.
4. The Chicago Home for the Aged / CHA Senior Living (Chicago, IL): This is a major employer of LPNs in long-term care. The work is consistent, and the need is constant. It’s a great place to gain experience in geriatrics.
5. Cicero Health Department: The town itself employs LPNs for public health initiatives, school nurse programs, and community outreach. These jobs are highly sought after for their stability and 9-to-5 schedule.
6. Local Home Health Agencies (Amedisys, LHC Group): Companies like these have offices in Cicero and serve the entire Chicago metro. This offers more flexible schedules and the ability to build your own caseload.

Hiring Trend Insight: Post-pandemic, there’s a slight softening in hospital hiring for LPNs, but a surge in demand for home health and long-term care. If you have a clean background and a valid license, finding a position in long-term care in the Berwyn/Cicero corridor is very achievable.

Getting Licensed in IL

If you’re coming from another state, you’ll need to get licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here’s the practical breakdown:

1. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must pass this national exam. If you’re already an LPN/LVN from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.
2. Licensure by Endorsement: For out-of-state nurses. The IDFPR will verify your original license with your home state’s board. You’ll need to submit:
   • Completed application
   • Official, sealed transcripts from your nursing program
   • Proof of current, active license in good standing
   • Background check (fingerprinting)
3. Timeline: The process typically takes 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted. The cost is approximately $150-$200 for the application and fingerprinting.
4. Compact State? Illinois is NOT a compact state for nursing. You cannot practice in Illinois with a compact (multi-state) license alone. You must obtain an Illinois license.

Insider Tip: Start the endorsement process at least 2-3 months before your planned move. The IDFPR can be slow. Having your Illinois license in hand before you start applying for jobs will make you a much stronger candidate.

Best Neighborhoods for LPNs

Living in Cicero means you’re part of a tight-knit community with easy access to Chicago. Here’s a look at neighborhoods, both within Cicero and in adjacent areas where many nurses live.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent
Cicero (Central)	The classic choice. Walkable to shops, diverse community. 30-45 min drive to downtown Chicago hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,300
Cicero (South)	Quieter, more residential. Slightly longer commute but more space. Close to the Stevenson Expy.	$1,000 - $1,250
Berwyn (West)	Directly adjacent. Slightly more "city" feel than Cicero, with a great restaurant scene. 20-35 min to Chicago.	$1,200 - $1,400
Oak Park (North)	A diverse, historic suburb. Excellent schools, but more expensive. A 20-30 minute commute via the Green Line or I-290.	$1,400 - $1,700
Garfield Ridge (Chicago)	A quiet, residential Chicago neighborhood right next to Midway Airport. Ideal for airport access and a true city feel.	$1,300 - $1,500

Personal Insight: For a new LPN in Cicero, Berwyn or Central Cicero offer the best balance of affordability, commute time, and community vibe. You’re close to the expressways (I-290, I-55) that lead you to the major hospitals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for LPNs is 5%, which is slower than the national average for many professions. However, this doesn’t mean your career is stagnant. Growth in this field comes from specialization and advancement within your scope of practice.

Specialty Premiums:

• Gerontology/LTC: No premium, but the most consistent job market.
• Pediatrics: Slight premium (+$1-2/hour) if you can get into a specialized clinic or home health.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): A valuable credential that can open doors in clinics and home health, potentially adding $2-3/hour to your rate.
• IV Therapy Certification: In high demand for infusion centers and home health. Often required for a pay bump.

Advancement Paths:

1. LPN to RN: This is the most common path. Several Chicago-area community colleges (like City Colleges of Chicago, Triton College) offer bridge programs. With your experience, you can transition to an RN and significantly increase your salary ceiling.
2. Lead LPN / Charge Nurse: In LTC or rehab facilities, experienced LPNs can take on supervisory roles.
3. Case Manager (Home Health): With additional certification, you can move into care coordination, which often involves less direct care but more administrative work.

10-Year Outlook: While the number of LPN jobs may grow slowly, the quality of those jobs is improving. More opportunities are moving toward outpatient settings and community health, offering better schedules than traditional 12-hour hospital shifts.

The Verdict: Is Cicero Right for You?

Cicero is a pragmatic choice. It’s for the nurse who values stability, affordability, and proximity to a massive healthcare job pool without paying downtown Chicago prices.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent is significantly lower than Chicago.	Commute is Necessary: For the best hospital jobs, you'll likely need to commute 20-45 minutes.
Access to Diverse Employers: You're a short drive from Chicago, Berwyn, and Oak Park.	No "Nurse Nightlife": Cicero is family-oriented. If you want bars and clubs, you'll head to Chicago or Wicker Park.
Strong Community: Cicero has a rich history and tight-knit neighborhoods.	Older Housing Stock: Many homes and apartments in Cicero are pre-1970s, which can mean maintenance issues.
Union Presence: Major Chicago hospitals have strong unions, protecting wages and benefits.	Traffic: The I-290 and I-55 corridors can be heavily congested during rush hour.

Final Recommendation

Cicero is an excellent choice for LPNs, especially those early in their careers or looking to balance family life with a demanding job. It’s a strategic base of operations. You can take a job at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn with a 10-minute commute, or fight the traffic to Rush for a higher salary and prestige. The financial math works: the $55,046 median salary supports a comfortable life here, with the potential to save for a home. If you’re an LPN who is practical, community-oriented, and wants access to a top-tier healthcare job market without the top-tier cost of living, Cicero should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard for an out-of-state LPN to find a job in the Cicero area?
A: No, not if you have your Illinois license. The market is always hungry for licensed nurses, especially in long-term care and home health. Start applying as soon as your application is submitted to the IDFPR.

Q: What’s the deal with the weather? How does that affect nursing?
A: Winters are harsh. Snow can impact your commute significantly. When applying, ask about the employer’s "bad weather" policy. Many hospitals operate 24/7 and expect staff to come in, but they may offer transportation or incentives. Always have a reliable car with good tires.

Q: Can I live in Cicero and work in downtown Chicago easily?
A: Yes. The CTA Blue Line runs from the Forest Park terminal (just south of Cicero) into downtown. Many nurses drive to a CTA station and take the train to avoid downtown parking costs and traffic. The commute is about 30-40 minutes total door-to-door.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools or clinics here?
A: Yes. The Cicero Public School District employs school nurses, often LPNs. Clinics like those at the Cicero Health Department or private practices in the area also hire LPNs for administrative and patient care roles.

Q: How does the 5% job growth rate affect my long-term prospects?
A: The 5% growth is for the nation as a whole. In the Chicago metro, the demand is more stable due to the dense population and aging demographic. To secure your long-term future, focus on gaining certifications (Wound Care, IV Therapy) or planning for an LPN-to-RN bridge program. The growth is in specialization, not just volume.