Chicago vs Champaign: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,188 | $144,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.55 | $69.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,651 | $110,935▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,856 | $143,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,434 | $164,351▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,651▲ | $164,351 |
| Total Employed | 3,050▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Chicago and Champaign are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Champaign is $12,408 (9.39%). 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 Chicago spans $61,000,Champaign spans $53,416. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($155,976 effective) pays 22.24% more than Chicago ($127,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,651)
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,596/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,976)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Chicago grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$102,700 (2019) → $127,940 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$119,850 (2019) → $139,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Chicago or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Champaign as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Chicago vs Champaign?
Related Comparisons
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