HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Nurse Practitioner Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$178,501/yr
Typical range: $167,288 – $197,132
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Nurse Practitioner salary by experience level in Chicago
Nurse Practitioner Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $97,618 | $8,135 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,930 | $9,994 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,946 | $11,079 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $147,263 | $12,272 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $178,501 | $14,875 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,276 | $17,106 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,970 | $17,664 | +117% |
Current Salary
$178,501
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$205,276
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+40% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Nurse Practitioner salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Nurse Practitioners in Chicago, IL earn approximately $179K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $179K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $86/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Nurse Practitioner in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Nurse Practitioner in Chicago, IL earns $167K–$197K/yr.