Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $191,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Arlington Heights, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,617/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Arlington Heights's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $197,340 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a senior physician assistant in Arlington Heights, IL, is well within reach for experienced professionals with over seven years in the field. In 2026, the highest earners can anticipate a salary of $191,617 at the 90th percentile, significantly outpacing the median annual figure of $135,404. This experience premium emphasizes the disparity between the earnings of seasoned PAs and those at the median level, highlighting how specialized skills and accumulated knowledge can translate into higher pay. To attain such elevated salaries, a robust clinical background, advanced certifications, and potential leadership roles are essential, particularly in fields that attract demand, such as surgical and emergency medicine.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Arlington Heights earn between $165,206 and $191,617 per year (2026 est.). This $87,966 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Arlington Heights median of $135,404 sits 3.55% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Arlington Heights | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,404 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,206 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,617 | $196,597 |
In Arlington Heights, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 41.52% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Arlington Heights
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $135,404 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Arlington Heights employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Arlington Heights command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,206–$191,617 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Arlington Heights metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Arlington Heights with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Arlington Heights
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedArlington Heights ranks #9 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $191,617).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Arlington Heights ($191,617) is 11.43% above the Illinois average P90 ($171,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,140
2025 BLS Actual
$185,460
2026 Current Est.
$191,617
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,079 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,979 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Arlington Heights saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $153,140 in 2019 to $185,460 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $197,979 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Arlington Heights
Examining the factors that influence senior physician assistant pay in Arlington Heights reveals a complex interplay of specialization and employer type. Surgical PAs working in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, or neurosurgery command some of the highest salaries due to their critical roles in procedures and first-assist functions. Employment setting also plays a significant role; hospital systems and surgical specialty practices typically offer more lucrative compensation packages compared to primary care settings or urgent care centers. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA national certification significantly enhance earning potential. Exploring leadership opportunities, like becoming a chief PA or directing a PA residency program, can further boost not only salary but job satisfaction as well. As the healthcare landscape evolves, understanding these dynamics is crucial for PAs aiming for advanced positions and increased compensation in Illinois.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Arlington Heights in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Arlington Heights?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Arlington Heights?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Arlington Heights?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Arlington Heights?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $185,460 for physician assistants in the Arlington Heights metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington Heights 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