How Nurse Practitioner (NP)s in Illinois get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Illinois compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $107,600 | $81,800 | $140,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $133,800 | $101,700 | $174,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $153,800 | $116,900 | $200,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $184,500 | $140,200 | $240,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $209,100 | $158,900 | $272,000 |
Pay varies sharply within Illinois. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $159,500 | $121,200 | $207,300 | +4% |
Top occupations by median pay in Illinois — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Illinois
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in Illinois is $153,800 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $116,900 and the 75th at $200,000.
Pay-wise, Illinois sits +9% above the national Nurse Practitioner (NP) median ($141,100). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Nurse Practitioner (NP)s (10–14 years of experience) in Illinois earn around $184,500 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $209,100 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Illinois ranks 14th for Nurse Practitioner (NP) pay. The highest-paying state pays around $204,600 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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