Aurora vs Springfield: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Aurora, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,354 | $134,692▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.63 | $64.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,431 | $109,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,812 | $121,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,483▲ | $134,692 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,572▲ | $144,799 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Springfield is $2,338 (1.77%). Springfield's median is -1.59% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $75,141,Springfield spans $35,276. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($145,228 effective) pays 6.55% more than Aurora ($136,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,572)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,692/year)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,228)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Aurora grew 4.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$122,734 (2024) → $127,940 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$112,430 (2019) → $130,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Aurora or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Springfield as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Aurora vs Springfield?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov