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Average Physician Assistants Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Physician Assistants in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $126,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,910, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different supply-demand balance influence compensation in this region. Factors such as the cost of doing business, healthcare infrastructure, and the concentration of healthcare facilities contribute to this regional pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $126,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,720.
  • Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area supports a substantial workforce of 3,180 Physician Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of PAs in this region is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other areas. This suggests a steady demand for qualified professionals, though not necessarily explosive growth, within this significant metropolitan hub.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$126,610

The average Physician Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-7.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.9

Weekly

$2,435

Monthly

$10,551

Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Physician Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level PAs may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, often exceeding $150,000. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$103,000$49.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$94,958$45.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$122,990$59.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$158,263$76.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$159,720$76.8

Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$126,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$126,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average Physician Assistant salary of $126,610 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by PAs in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary when considering local expenses. Therefore, the compensation is effectively on par with the national standard in terms of real value.

Job Market Context

3,180

Total Jobs

0.71

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.70x the national average concentration of Physician Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.7 for Physician Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin indicates that the concentration of these professionals is lower than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it may be less competitive than areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for PAs seeking employment or career advancement relative to the size of the local workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants

Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician Assistants make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $126,610. This typically ranges from $103,000 for entry-level positions to $159,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 7.5% lower than the national median of $136,910.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The lower concentration suggests a potentially favorable job market.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Physician Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kenosha, WI ($130,740) and Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI.

How does the Chicago PA salary compare to the national average?

Physician Assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin earn an average of $126,610 annually, which is approximately $10,300 less than the national average of $136,910.

What is the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin for PAs?

The cost of living in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means your salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

How many Physician Assistants work in the Chicago area?

The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area is home to a significant workforce of 3,180 Physician Assistants.

Is the market for Physician Assistants saturated in Chicago?

With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the market is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting it is not overly saturated and may present good opportunities for employment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,180 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.71 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.