Physician Assistant Salary in Illinois
Based on 4K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$131,950
$63.44/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$105K – $162K
4K employed in Illinois
Physician Assistant salary in Illinois averages $131,950 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 3,790 Physician Assistants working throughout the state, this median salary sits roughly 3% below the national average. However, Illinois salaries still represent a competitive compensation level within the broader healthcare landscape for mid-level practitioners.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in Illinois, including geographic location within the state, years of clinical experience, and specialized medical field. Urban centers like Chicago typically offer higher compensation packages compared to rural areas. Additionally, work setting—whether in hospitals, private practices, or urgent care facilities—can significantly impact earning potential and total benefits packages.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,160 |
| 25th percentile | $122,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,950 |
| 75th percentile | $145,600 |
| 90th percentile | $162,330 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physician Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physician Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physician Assistants in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | 510 |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | 50 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,460 |
| 2023 | $118,400 |
| 2024 | $122,990 |
| 2025 | $131,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,867 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,460 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $118,400 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $122,990 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $131,950 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,867 | $144,213 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $122,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $145,600 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,330 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Physician Assistant ($131,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +292.5% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +232.0% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +117.4% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +96.1% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +85.8% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +57.6% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +49.1% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +26.9% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +18.3% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +10.4% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +6.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +5.4% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Illinois?
- Physician assistants in Illinois earn a median salary of $131,950 per year, which translates to approximately $63 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a -3.0% difference.
What is the salary range for PAs working in Illinois?
- The salary range for physician assistants in Illinois spans from $105,160 at the lower end to $162,330 at the higher end, providing a spread of over $57,000 depending on experience and specialization.
Is the Illinois physician assistant salary competitive compared to the national average?
- The median PA salary in Illinois is $131,950, which is 3.0% lower than the national average. While slightly below the national benchmark, it remains a solid earning potential in the healthcare field.
How many physician assistants are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 3,790 physician assistants employed in Illinois, representing a substantial healthcare workforce in the state.