Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Illinois pays nurse practitioners a median wage of $128,620 per year — that's $61.84/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 9,560 nurse practitioners make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Nurse Practitioner salaries in Illinois are below the national average by approximately $459. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Illinois's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for nurse practitioners.
Illinois Nurse Practitioner Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Nurse Practitioner Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $128,620.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience — Illinois
Nurse Practitioner Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for nurse practitioners in Illinois: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's healthcare and outpatient care.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $142,750 | $68.63 | +11.0% | 3,346 |
| Aurora | $136,350 | $65.55 | +6.0% | 2,676 |
| Naperville | $132,500 | $63.70 | +3.0% | 1,720 |
| Joliet | $123,500 | $59.38 | -4.0% | 860 |
| Rockford | $117,050 | $56.27 | -9.0% | 573 |
| Springfield | $111,900 | $53.80 | -13.0% | 382 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest nurse practitioner salaries in Illinois at $142,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for nurse practitioners.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for nurse practitioners in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. Illinois's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for nurse practitioners.
How to Earn More as a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a nurse practitioner in Illinois typically adds $105,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays nurse practitioners $142,750/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Nurse Practitioners who specialise in healthcare and outpatient care typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays nurse practitioners $128,580/yr — -0.0% vs Illinois.
Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current nurse practitioner job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Nurse Practitioner jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Nurse Practitioner jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Nurse Practitioner jobs — Chicago, IL→