Chicago vs Normal: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chicago, IL and Normal, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Normal, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,285▲ | $129,946 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.53▲ | $62.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,926▲ | $97,117 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,805▲ | $113,102 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,296▲ | $153,344 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,434▲ | $169,414 |
| Total Employed | 6,530▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Normal.
The salary gap between Chicago and Normal is $6,339 (4.88%). Chicago's median is -0.42% 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,Normal spans $72,297. Normal 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, Normal ($133,827 effective) pays 1.73% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,434)
- ✓Larger job market (6,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Normal if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,827)
- ✓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 4.2% growth in Normal over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$107,140 (2019) → $131,740 (2025)
Normal, IL
$120,501 (2024) → $125,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Normal, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chicago or Normal?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Normal?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Normal as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chicago vs Normal?
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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