Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how Nurse Practitioner (NP)s in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $111,600 | $84,800 | $145,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $138,700 | $105,400 | $180,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $159,500 | $121,200 | $207,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $191,400 | $145,400 | $248,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $216,900 | $164,800 | $281,900 |
Highest-paying metros for Nurse Practitioner (NP)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in the Chicago metro is $159,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $121,200 to $207,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $263,100 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for Nurse Practitioner (NP)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for Nurse Practitioner (NP)s — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary of $159,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Nurse Practitioner (NP)s in Chicago start around $111,600, while seniors (10+ years) reach $191,400 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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