Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Illinois

The median nurse practitioner salary in Illinois is $117,962 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $121,610.

Median Salary
$117,962
vs National
$-3,648
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for nurse practitioner pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $117,962 per year, nurse practitioners in Illinois earn $3,648 less than the national median of $121,610.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning nurse practitioner salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: nurse practitioners at the 10th percentile earn $84,487, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $163,154 — a $78,667 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $133,771.

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Illinois and beyond.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $87,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,350 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,340
$-3,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,350
$-4,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $84,487
25th Percentile $101,074
Median (50th) $117,962
75th Percentile $139,195
90th Percentile $163,154

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for nurse practitioners in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Illinois

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Illinois? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Illinois is $117,962 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $84,487 (10th percentile) to $163,154 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,962, a nurse practitioner in Illinois earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for nurse practitioners? ▼
Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level nurse practitioners earn $87,300, while senior professionals earn $150,350.
How does Illinois compare to other states for nurse practitioner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nurse practitioners is Hawaii at $216,466. Illinois's median of $117,962 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($120,394) and Arizona ($117,962).
What is the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level nurse practitioner in Illinois earns approximately $87,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $150,350.
What city in Illinois pays nurse practitioners the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for nurse practitioners, with a median salary of $133,771. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.