Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $62.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Elgin, IL runs $62.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,604 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, IL, the projected physician assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $62.98, which is below the national average of $67.50. This rate provides a solid opportunity for those working part-time or per-diem roles typically found in operating rooms, hospital floors, emergency departments, ambulatory clinics, and urgent care facilities. For individuals choosing to work three days a week, this hourly rate translates to significant earning potential, allowing for a solid income while maintaining flexible hours. The hourly range for physician assistants in Elgin varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $46.72, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $90.54 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, suggest a healthy job market, especially for graduates seeking to enter this rewarding field.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.72 | $373.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.92 | $439.40 |
| Median (P50) | $62.98 | $503.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.39 | $619.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.54 | $724.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $62.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.98/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $131,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,581. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,519.35 | $10,917 | $131,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,511.61 | $6,550 | $78,604 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,007.74 | $4,367 | $52,403 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Elgin) | $62.98 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Family Medicine Physician (National Avg) | $116.45 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.18 |
Physician Assistants in Elgin, IL earn a median of $131,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.68% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $137,614.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.98/hr = $78,604/year (purchasing power: $80,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,006/year (purchasing power: $134,919).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Elgin grew 21.0% from $50.36/hr (2019) to $60.96/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physician assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physician Assistant in Elgin
When considering part-time positions at a typical three-day work schedule of 24 hours per week, a physician assistant in Elgin could earn around $78,737 annually, a significant income compared to full-time counterparts. For those interested in per diem or locum tenens work, the financial dynamics change considerably, as these professionals can bill rates ranging from $75 to $130 per hour, with surgical specialists like orthopedic surgical PAs potentially earning between $1,200 and $1,800 for a single day in the operating room. Various employer types play a role in determining hourly wages, with hospital systems typically offering W-2 positions and specialty practices providing varied pay rates. Furthermore, while some PAs might opt for lower hourly wages that include benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates even without health insurance. Negotiation in Elgin's market can be advantageous; understanding the local demand and value placed on specific specialties helps maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physician assistants in Elgin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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