How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Illinois?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Illinois costs $405 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $130, license fee $75). Renewal runs $110 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Illinois?

Licensed registered nurses in Illinois earn a median salary of $87,720/year, compared to $42,840/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Illinois?

Illinois requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Illinois

Registered Nurse License Cost in Illinois 2026: $405 Fees, $88K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Illinois costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Illinois — Key Numbers

$405

Upfront Cost

$88K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$110

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Illinois

Exam fee $200

Application fee $130

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $405

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $110

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Illinois) $42,840/yr

Salary with license (Illinois) $87,720/yr

5-year net ROI $224K

Licensing body: Illinois Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Illinois — What to Know

Illinois RN salaries rank among the highest in the country. The $88K median reflects the state's strong hospital systems and above-average nursing demand. The NCLEX-RN fee is fixed nationally at $200; state application and license fees add another $500 to the upfront cost. Illinois has active travel nursing markets — contracted rates in major hospitals run $40–$65/hour. BSN-prepared nurses in Illinois command a consistent hiring premium over ADN graduates.

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Illinois · Payback period by state

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