Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Quincy, IL: $97,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $97,930 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,855 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,066) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the nursing field in Quincy, Illinois, can anticipate an entry-level nurse practitioner salary starting around $97,930. This figure represents a significant gap of approximately $32,136 from the city's median annual salary of $130,066, indicating that newly minted nurse practitioners might expect modest earnings relative to their more experienced peers. Over the first three to five years, as they gain experience and advance their skills, they can realistically expect to earn closer to $118,291 (the 25th percentile) and potentially reach the median as they build their careers. Given the growth trajectory of 3.45% annually, Quincy offers a stable job market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in the nursing profession.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Quincy, IL typically start between $97,930 and $118,291 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,882 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,066 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Illinois of $100,000 represents just 102.11% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($97,930/year) in Quincy. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $97,930 to $118,291, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Quincy is $71,882 ( 73.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $97,930, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,812.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,047
2025 BLS Actual
$94,664
2026 Current Est.
$97,930
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,664 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,308 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,047 in 2019 to $94,664 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $101,308. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Quincy
Many employers in Quincy effectively onboard new graduate nurse practitioners, particularly through primary care offices and urgent care centers that seek fresh talent. Large hospital systems often provide structured NP residency or fellowship programs which can greatly enhance the early career experience. PMHNP graduates are also finding opportunities with telehealth platforms, which are in high demand. To elevate their starting pay, new grads should prioritize obtaining important credentials like an active RN license, a master's or doctorate from an accredited program, and relevant national certifications. Understanding Illinois' varying NP scope of practice is crucial; while 27 states offer full-practice authority, others require collaboration agreements with physicians. In these formative years, new nurse practitioners in Quincy can expect steady salary growth as they gain experience and certifications specific to their population focus, such as FNP or PMHNP.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Quincy in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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