Champaign vs Elgin: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Champaign, IL and Elgin, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,596▲ | $131,009 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.52▲ | $62.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,935▲ | $97,186 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,873▲ | $114,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,351▲ | $160,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,351 | $188,314▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elgin.
The salary gap between Champaign and Elgin is $13,587 (10.37%). Champaign's median is +3.00% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $53,416,Elgin spans $91,128. Elgin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($155,976 effective) pays 15.60% more than Elgin ($134,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,596/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,976)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,314)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Champaign grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Elgin over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$119,850 (2019) → $139,950 (2025)
Elgin, IL
$121,495 (2024) → $126,799 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Champaign or Elgin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Elgin?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Elgin as a physician assistant?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov