Chicago vs Naperville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,188 | $133,568▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.55 | $64.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,651▲ | $93,067 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,856▲ | $114,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,434 | $159,252▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,651 | $196,920▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,050▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $1,380 (1.04%). Naperville's median is -4.86% 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,Naperville spans $103,853. Naperville 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, Naperville ($137,557 effective) pays 7.80% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,568/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,920)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,557)
- ✓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 4.4% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$102,700 (2019) → $127,940 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$123,869 (2024) → $129,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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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