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Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary in Illinois

How much does a Nursing Professional Development Specialist make in Illinois?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist in Illinois is $127,771 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.

However, a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,509
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,346 to $137,579
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,944
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View as table View as graph 25% $116,346 10% $105,944 90% $146,509 75% $137,579 $127,771 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $137,579 $11,465 $2,646 $66
Average $127,771 $10,648 $2,457 $61
25th Percentile $116,346 $9,696 $2,237 $56
Check out Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job Openings in Illinois
Nursing Professional Development Specialist

UW Health - Rockford, IL

Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Carle Health - Champaign, IL

Professional Development Nursing Specialist

Advocate Health - Oak Lawn, IL

Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Advocate Health - Hazel Crest, IL

Search More Nursing Professional Development Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Key Factors That Influence Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salaries

A Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Nursing Curriculum Coordinator (2-4 years): $107,422
  • Nursing Professional Development Specialist (4-5 years): $127,780
  • Nursing Curriculum Director (5+ years): $152,924
  • Head of Nursing Curriculum (5+ years): $174,035
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Nursing Curriculum Coordinator2-4 years$107,422
Nursing Professional Development Specialist4-5 years$127,780
Nursing Curriculum Director5+ years$152,924
Head of Nursing Curriculum5+ years$174,035
$107,422 Nursing C...
$127,780 Nursing P...
$152,924 Nursing C...
$174,035 Head of N...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Nursing Professional Development Specialists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $117,778
  • Saint Peter: $117,617
  • Salem: $118,064

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Nursing Professional Development Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $135,529. While startup companies pay approximate $115,490.

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$115,490
Growth Stage51~500$121,916
Established501~5000$131,098
Enterprise5000+$135,529

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Nursing Professional Development Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Nursing Professional Development Specialist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nursing Professional Development Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$153,325$74.020%

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Clinical Education Programs Director $133,100 4%
Nursing Curriculum Director $152,943 20%

Find Your Next Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nursing Professional Development Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Lurie Children's Hospital

    Chicago, IL

    Lurie Children's Hospital | Chicago, IL

    Nursing Professional Development Practitioner -- Sterile ProcessingFull time days, salary4 10's or 5 8'sMust be willing to travel to Northbrook and Westche... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Lurie Children's Hospital

    Northbrook, IL

    Lurie Children's Hospital | Northbrook, IL

    Nursing Professional Development Practitioner -- Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Centers. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides super... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Society of Actuaries

    Chicago, IL

    Society of Actuaries | Chicago, IL

    Learning Management System And Virtual Learning Programs CoordinatorThis is a hybrid position based in our Chicago/O'Hare Area office. Candidates must live... more

    3 Days Ago

  • CodeHS

    Chicago, IL

    CodeHS | Chicago, IL

    Professional Development Specialist Job Description. CodeHS is looking to hire a Professional Development Specialist to help lead professional development ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority

    Rockford, IL

    University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority | Rockford, IL

    Description Work Schedule: 100% FTE, full-time, day shift Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm You will work at the UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital Additio... more

    4 Days Ago

  • IL Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

    Bloomington, IL

    IL Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies | Bloomington, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. INCCRRA (Illinois Network Child Care Resource and Referral Agency) is excited to be able to add to our team. Our vision i... more

    7 Days Ago

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