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.
$184,404/yr
Typical range: $172,820 – $203,652
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 | $100,846 | $8,404 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $123,897 | $10,325 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,343 | $11,445 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $152,134 | $12,678 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,404 | $15,367 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $212,065 | $17,672 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $218,980 | $18,248 | +117% |
Current Salary
$184,404
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$212,065
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential 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 $184K 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 $184K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/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 $173K–$204K/yr.