Chicago vs Champaign: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,285 | $141,830▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.53 | $68.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,926▲ | $108,312 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,805 | $141,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,296 | $165,592▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,434▲ | $165,592 |
| Total Employed | 6,530▲ | 420 |
Verdict
Chicago and Champaign are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Champaign is $5,545 (4.07%). Champaign's median is +3.63% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $60,508,Champaign spans $57,280. Chicago 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, Champaign ($152,992 effective) pays 16.29% more than Chicago ($131,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,434)
- ✓Larger job market (6,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,830/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,992)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chicago grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$107,140 (2019) → $131,740 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$106,390 (2019) → $137,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chicago or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Champaign as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chicago vs Champaign?
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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