HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physician Assistant Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,744/yr
Typical range: $202,191 – $238,262
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physician Assistant salary by experience level in Chicago
Physician Assistant 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 | $117,985 | $9,832 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,953 | $12,079 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $160,684 | $13,390 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $177,989 | $14,832 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,744 | $17,979 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $248,106 | $20,676 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $256,196 | $21,350 | +117% |
Current Salary
$215,744
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$248,106
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+28% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physician Assistant salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Physician Assistants in Chicago, IL earn approximately $216K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physician Assistant make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Physician Assistant in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physician Assistant in Chicago, IL earns $202K–$238K/yr.