Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Elgin, IL: $97,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Elgin, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $97,186 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elgin's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,089 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($131,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Elgin, IL, the entry-level physician assistant salary offers a promising start at around $97,186 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median salary of $131,009, there is a defined pathway for growth in the early years. As individuals gain experience, the potential to reach the 25th percentile salary of $114,245 becomes realistic within the first few years, gradually building towards the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.32%, those starting their careers in this market can expect progressive financial advancements, making Elgin a viable location for newly minted PAs looking to establish themselves in their first roles.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elgin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
Entry-level physician assistants in Elgin, IL typically start between $97,186 and $114,245 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $131,009 — 6.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Illinois of $110,000 represents just 113.19% of the starting physician assistant pay ($97,186/year) in Elgin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Elgin
- 1Research the Elgin market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $97,186 to $114,245, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Elgin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Elgin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elgin's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Elgin is $91,128 ( 93.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $97,186, experienced hygienists can earn up to $188,314.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,829
2025 BLS Actual
$94,063
2026 Current Est.
$97,186
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,829 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,596 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,335 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,412 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Elgin, IL grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,829 in 2019 to $94,063 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,412. New graduates entering the Elgin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Elgin
In Elgin, primary care facilities and urgent care clinics are principal employers for entry-level physician assistants. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs tailored for new grads to transition smoothly into the workforce. Moreover, surgical subspecialty programs might be a consideration for PAs aiming for higher pay, particularly those who can pursue residency or fellowship opportunities. Credentials play an essential role in this market; obtaining a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and successful completion of the NCCPA national certification (PA-C) is necessary to enhance one’s qualifications. Additionally, possessing a state PA license and optional DEA registration can further boost starting remuneration. In the first few years, establishing a keen understanding of the PA scope of practice, which is influenced by both state law and physician collaboration, is vital for career advancement, particularly for surgical PAs who have the salary advantage through first-assist billing practices.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Elgin in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Elgin?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Elgin?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Elgin?
How do I become a physician assistant in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Elgin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elgin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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