Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Evanston, IL

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking for a career move, Evanston, Illinois, presents a compelling, if nuanced, option. As a suburban city directly adjacent to Chicago, Evanston offers the professional opportunities of a major metro area without the extreme cost of living or gritty urban core. This guide provides a data-driven, street-level look at what it really means to build an LPN career here—covering everything from your take-home pay after rent to the best neighborhoods for shift work. We'll use hard numbers and local knowledge to help you decide if Evanston is the right fit for your next chapter.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an LPN in the Evanston area is $55,046 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.46. This sits slightly above the national average of $54,620, a small but meaningful advantage that reflects the region's higher cost of living and demand for skilled healthcare workers. With approximately 150 LPN jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, the market is stable, if not booming. It's a reliable field, but one where specialization and experience are key to climbing the salary ladder.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Evanston area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $53,000	Often starts in long-term care, home health, or hospital per-diem roles.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,046 (Median)	Solidifies your role in clinics, hospitals, or specialty practices.
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	Leads to charge nurse roles, clinical educator positions, or specialized units.
Expert (15+ years)	$68,000+	Management, complex case coordination, or high-demand specialties.

Insider Tip: The $26.46/hour median is a benchmark. I've seen LPNs at large hospital systems like NorthShore University HealthSystem (which includes Evanston Hospital) or in specialized roles at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (just south in Chicago) command higher rates, especially for night or weekend differentials. The key is leveraging experience to move beyond basic nursing homes, where pay often caps out lower.

How Evanston Compares to Other Illinois Cities
For a broader perspective, here’s how the Evanston LPN salary stacks up against other major Illinois metro areas:

Metro Area	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL	$55,046	~110
Springfield, IL	~$51,000	~92
Peoria, IL	~$50,500	~88
Bloomington, IL	~$49,500	~87
National Average	$54,620	100

As you can see, Evanston (part of the Chicago metro) offers a competitive salary, but it's coupled with a higher cost of living. Cities like Peoria or Springfield provide a lower salary but significantly cheaper housing and overall expenses. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the professional and cultural amenities of a major metro area or pure cost-of-living efficiency.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you're making the median salary of $55,046. What does that actually feel like in your bank account in Evanston? Let's break it down.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN Earning $55,046

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,587
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,437/month (This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home depends on specific deductions, retirement contributions, etc.)
• Average 1BR Rent in Evanston: $1,231/month

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Housing (1BR Rent): $1,231
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Transportation (Car/CTA): $150 - $300 (Lower if you rely on the CTA Purple Line)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $200 - $400
• Student Loans/Other Debt: $200 - $500
• Savings/Discretionary: $400 - $800

This leaves a comfortable but not extravagant buffer. You can live well, but you'll need to be mindful. A roommate can drastically improve your financial flexibility, and many LPNs living alone choose to live in slightly more affordable adjacent neighborhoods like Rogers Park (Chicago) or Skokie to stretch their dollars further.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a single LPN salary of $55,046, buying a home in Evanston itself is a significant stretch. The median home price in Evanston is well over $400,000. A standard 20% down payment ($80,000+) is a massive hurdle. However, it's not impossible with strategic planning:

1. Long-Term Savings: Committing to saving for 5-7 years for a down payment.
2. Dual-Income Household: Partnering with another income earner makes home ownership in the area much more feasible.
3. Consider Condos or Townhomes: These are often more affordable than single-family homes, though HOA fees add to the monthly cost.
4. Look to Adjacent Areas: Many healthcare professionals buy in more affordable suburbs like Skokie or Niles, which have easy commutes to Evanston hospitals.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston is a healthcare hub, anchored by a major hospital system and a diverse array of clinics and care facilities. Hiring is steady, with demand often highest for LPNs willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends.

1. NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston Hospital): The city's largest employer. Evanston Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center and a teaching hospital. LPNs work in med-surg, orthopedics, and outpatient clinics. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with EPIC electronic health record experience.
2. Infant Welfare Society of Evanston: A well-respected community clinic providing pediatric care. LPN roles here are focused on well-child visits, immunizations, and front-office support. It's a great environment for those interested in public health and community medicine.
3. ElderCare of Evanston / Local Home Health Agencies: The home health sector is robust. Companies like Heartland Home Health or local private-duty agencies hire LPNs for in-home patient care. This offers flexible schedules but requires strong independence and time-management skills.
4. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities like Twin Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center or Mather Place of Wilmette (just north) are constant employers. These roles are foundational for LPNs but often have higher turnover, creating frequent openings.
5. Northshore Senior Health (Clinics): Part of the NorthShore system, these primary care and specialty clinics (like cardiology or orthopedics) employ LPNs for rooming patients, taking vitals, and assisting with procedures.
6. Northwestern University Health Services: The university employs LPNs to care for students and staff. The environment is dynamic and often seasonal (aligned with the academic calendar).
7. Private Practice Clinics: Numerous specialist offices (dermatology, gastroenterology, etc.) in Evanston hire LPNs. These roles typically offer regular business hours, no holidays, and a predictable schedule.

Insider Tip: Networking is everything in Chicago-area healthcare. Join the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) and attend local chapter events. Many jobs, especially in private clinics, are filled through word-of-mouth before they're ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees LPN licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Completion of an approved LPN program (typically 12 months).
2. Exam: Pass the NCLEX-PN. The exam fee is approximately $200.
3. Application: Submit an application to the IDFPR, including fingerprints for a criminal background check. Application fees are around $150.
4. Total Estimated Startup Cost: $350 (exam + application), not including tuition for the nursing program.
5. Timeline: From completing your program to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks after passing the NCLEX, assuming no application delays.

Insider Tip: If you're an already licensed LPN from another state, Illinois is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a compact license from a home state that is also a compact member, you can practice in Illinois without obtaining a separate license. This is a huge time-saver. Always verify your compact status on the NCSBN website.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Where you live will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Evanston is diverse; here’s a breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown Evanston	Walkable, urban, near the Purple Line, restaurants, and shops. 10-15 min bus or walk to Evanston Hospital.	$1,400 - $1,600
Central Evanston (North of Downtown)	Quieter, residential, family-oriented. Easy access to parks and schools. 15-20 min bus or drive to hospitals.	$1,200 - $1,400
South Evanston (near Howard St.)	More affordable, diverse, directly on the CTA Purple Line. 10-15 min train ride to downtown and hospitals.	$1,050 - $1,250
Skokie (Just West)	Suburban feel, excellent schools, more affordable housing. 10-15 min drive to Evanston hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,300
Rogers Park, Chicago (Just South)	Vibrant, diverse, on the CTA Red/Purple Line. Very easy commute to Evanston (10 min train). Often more affordable than Evanston proper.	$1,200 - $1,400

Insider Tip: For shift workers, proximity to the CTA Purple Line is a game-changer. It runs directly through Evanston and connects to the Red Line in Chicago, making a commute from Rogers Park or even Lincoln Square incredibly reliable, even for late-night shifts when driving feels less safe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Illinois is a solid foundation, but career mobility requires strategy.

• Specialty Premiums: While LPNs are generalists, certain settings pay more. Home health and psychiatric/behavioral health often offer higher base rates or per-visit fees. Correctional facilities (like those in nearby counties) also pay a premium, though the setting isn't for everyone.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead LPN / Charge Nurse: In SNFs or clinics, taking on supervisory duties.
  2. Clinical Instructor: Teaching in an LPN program (requires experience and often a BSN).
  3. Bridge to RN: The most common path. Many hospitals and community colleges (like City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X or Truman) offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. An RN license in Illinois can increase your earning potential by $15,000-$20,000 or more annually. NorthShore and other systems often offer tuition reimbursement for this.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is steady. The demand will be strongest in geriatrics (aging population) and home health (preference for aging-in-place). While AI and tech will change some administrative tasks, the hands-on, patient-care role of an LPN remains essential and in demand.

Insider Tip: If you're considering the bridge to RN, start exploring employer tuition reimbursement before you enroll. Many systems have specific service requirements (e.g., work for 1-2 years post-graduation) that you need to plan for.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

It's all about trade-offs. Evanston offers a high-quality professional environment and a vibrant community, but it comes with financial and lifestyle considerations.

Pros	Cons
Competitive salary above national average.	High cost of living, especially rent and housing.
Proximity to world-class Chicago hospitals & clinics.	Commute congestion if working in Chicago proper.
Public transit (CTA) reduces car dependency.	Buying a home on a single LPN salary is challenging.
Diverse cultural and recreational amenities.	Winters can be long and cold.
Stable job market with 150+ LPN openings.	Requires budgeting discipline to build savings.

Final Recommendation:
Evanston is an excellent choice for an LPN who prioritizes professional growth and quality of life over the lowest possible cost of living. It's ideal for those who want access to top-tier healthcare facilities, value public transit, and enjoy a blend of city and suburban life. If you're a new graduate or early-career LPN, it's a fantastic place to gain diverse experience. However, if your primary goal is to maximize savings or buy a home quickly on a single income, you may find better financial footing in a lower-cost Illinois metro like Peoria or Springfield.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Evanston?
Not necessarily. If you live and work in Evanston, the CTA Purple Line and Pace buses can cover your commute. Many LPNs at Evanston Hospital live in Rogers Park or Skokie and commute by train. However, if you plan to work in home health or at facilities less central to public transit, a car is highly recommended.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates in Evanston?
The market is steady. New graduates will find the most openings in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. To stand out, highlight any clinical rotations you completed in the Chicago area and get familiar with the EPIC electronic health record system, which is used by NorthShore and many other local providers. A good attitude and flexibility with shifts are huge assets.

3. What's the real impact of Chicago's winter on an LPN's commute?
It's manageable but requires planning. The CTA is generally reliable, but extreme weather can cause delays. If you drive, budget for winter tires and be prepared for parking challenges after snowstorms. Many facilities offer incentives for picking up extra shifts during severe weather, so it can sometimes mean extra pay.

4. Is it worth it to live in Chicago proper (like Rogers Park) and commute to Evanston?
Absolutely, and many do it. The commute is often faster and cheaper than living in Evanston. The CTA Purple Line connects directly, and the cost savings on rent can be significant. You get the benefits of Chicago's amenities at a more affordable price point, with an easy commute to Evanston jobs.

5. What's the best way to find a job in the Evanston area?
Start with the major employers' career pages (NorthShore, ElderCare, etc.). Use LinkedIn and Indeed, but also check local job boards like Chicago Healthcare Jobs. Most importantly, network. Tell every nurse you meet, instructors, and former classmates that you're looking in Evanston. The hidden job market here is alive and well.