Chicago vs Galesburg: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chicago, IL and Galesburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Galesburg, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,285▲ | $127,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.53▲ | $61.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,926▲ | $101,501 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,805▲ | $114,976 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,296▲ | $150,306 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,434▲ | $164,951 |
| Total Employed | 6,530▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Galesburg.
The salary gap between Chicago and Galesburg is $9,142 (7.19%). Chicago's median is -0.42% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $60,508,Galesburg spans $63,450. Galesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($131,556 effective) pays 0.47% more than Galesburg ($130,940 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,434)
- ✓Larger job market (6,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,556)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Galesburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chicago grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in Galesburg over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$107,140 (2019) → $131,740 (2025)
Galesburg, IL
$117,902 (2024) → $122,903 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Galesburg, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chicago or Galesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Galesburg?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Galesburg as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chicago vs Galesburg?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov