Naperville vs Peoria: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Naperville, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Naperville, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,568 | $137,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.21 | $66.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,067 | $110,273▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,509 | $127,166▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,252▲ | $157,976 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,920▲ | $161,892 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Naperville.
The salary gap between Naperville and Peoria is $4,023 (3.01%). Peoria's median is -1.99% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naperville spans $103,853,Peoria spans $51,619. Naperville 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, Peoria ($150,816 effective) pays 9.64% more than Naperville ($137,557 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,920)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,591/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,816)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Naperville grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Naperville, IL
$123,869 (2024) → $129,276 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$102,960 (2019) → $133,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Naperville, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Naperville or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Naperville and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Naperville to Peoria as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Naperville vs Peoria?
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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