Chicago vs Naperville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,285 | $137,707▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.53 | $66.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,926▲ | $100,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,805▲ | $118,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,296 | $161,076▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,434 | $191,507▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,530▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $1,422 (1.04%). Naperville's median is +0.62% 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,Naperville spans $90,884. Naperville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Naperville ($141,820 effective) pays 7.80% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (6,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,707/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,507)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,820)
- ✓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 4.9% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$107,140 (2019) → $131,740 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$126,841 (2024) → $133,115 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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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