Peoria vs Urbana: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Peoria, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,591 | $144,070▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.15 | $69.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,273 | $114,247▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $127,166 | $132,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,976 | $173,518▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,892 | $198,414▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Urbana, IL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Peoria and Urbana is $6,479 (4.71%). Urbana's median is +2.62% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $51,619,Urbana spans $84,167. Urbana 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, Peoria ($150,816 effective) pays 1.65% more than Urbana ($148,373 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,816)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,070/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,414)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Peoria grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$102,960 (2019) → $133,170 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$117,305 (2024) → $139,441 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Peoria or Urbana?
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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