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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 in Illinois is $85,030 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $92,900 | $7,742 | $1,787 | $45 |
| Average | $85,030 | $7,086 | $1,635 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,420 | $6,618 | $1,527 | $38 |
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A Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | 0-2 years | $75,021 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 | 2-4 years | $85,029 |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 | 4-7 years | $98,873 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,653. While startup companies pay approximate $80,224.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $80,224 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $84,809 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $91,440 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $94,653 |
For Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Registered Nurse (RN), Level positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $97,784 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $95,659 | $46.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $91,407 | $44.0 | 7% |
| Insurance | $89,282 | $43.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $92,900 | $7,742 | $1,787 | $45 |
| Average | $85,030 | $7,086 | $1,635 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,420 | $6,618 | $1,527 | $38 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $165,200 | 94% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $157,100 | 85% |
| Registered Nurse (RN), Level 3 | $98,900 | 16% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Nurse (RN), Level 2 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab
Taylorville, IL
Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab | Taylorville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Start Your Nursing Career with Us as a Registered Nurse (RN). Location. Taylorville Skilled Nursing & Rehab, Taylorville,... more
4 Days Ago
Momence Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Momence, IL
Momence Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center | Momence, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Make a Difference as a Registered Nurse (RN)– Your Next Rewarding Career Starts Here. Salary. Competitive +. Bonuses. |. ... more
4 Days Ago
Norwood Crossing
Chicago, IL
Norwood Crossing | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Registered Nurse (RN) – Make a Difference at Norwood Crossing. About Norwood Crossing. Norwood Crossing has been a staple... more
4 Days Ago
Silvis Center Rehab and Care
Silvis, IL
Silvis Center Rehab and Care | Silvis, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Registered Nurse RN. Job Summary. We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our team at ... more
4 Days Ago
Prime HealthCare
Evanston, IL
Prime HealthCare | Evanston, IL
Perioperative Registered NurseStaff RN is directly accountable to the OR Charge Nurse and the Director of Surgical Services, and indirectly to the House Su... more
5 Days Ago
Independence Plus
Wilmette, IL
Independence Plus | Wilmette, IL
Registered Nurse (Rn)Independence Plus is expanding our specialized home nursing division in all of our service areas. We are now hiring registered nurses ... more
5 Days Ago
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