Springfield vs St. Charles: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Springfield, IL and St. Charles, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | St. Charles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,692▲ | $132,115 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.75▲ | $63.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,523▲ | $102,907 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,305▲ | $117,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,692 | $151,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,799 | $163,384▲ |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Charles.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $2,577 (1.95%). 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 Springfield spans $35,276,St. Charles spans $60,477. St. Charles 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, Springfield ($145,228 effective) pays 6.74% more than St. Charles ($136,061 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,384)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Springfield grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$112,430 (2019) → $130,200 (2025)
St. Charles, IL
$122,512 (2024) → $127,709 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
St. Charles, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Springfield or St. Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Charles?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
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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