How to Become a Physician Assistants in Illinois
Physician Assistants in Illinois earn a median salary of $122,990/year, which is 8% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a physician assistants takes home approximately $5,982/month. Most positions require Master's degree.
What a physician assistants can afford in Illinois
Becoming a physician assistants in Illinois
Meet education requirements
Physician Assistants positions in Illinois typically require Master's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many physician assistants positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Illinois licensure or certification
Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for physician assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Illinois
Illinois employs 3,930 physician assistants. The highest concentrations are in Springfield and Champaign-Urbana.
Physician Assistants salary by metro area in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | $130K | $62.4/hr | 80 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $130K | $62.29/hr | 70 |
| Rockford | $128K | $61.53/hr | 100 |
| Bloomington | $123K | $59.37/hr | 50 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $123K | $59.13/hr | 3,180 |
| Peoria | $119K | $57.37/hr | 90 |
Physician Assistants salary range in Illinois
Physician Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physician assistants make in Illinois?▼
The median physician assistants salary in Illinois is $122,990 per year ($59.13/hr). This is 8% below the national median of $133,260. Salaries range from $102,420 to $156,340.
What are the requirements to become a physician assistants in Illinois?▼
Physician Assistants positions in Illinois typically require Master's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a physician assistants afford to live in Illinois?▼
At the median salary of $122,990, a physician assistants in Illinois would take home approximately $7,394/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 19.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for physician assistants in Illinois?▼
The highest paying metro areas for physician assistants in Illinois are Springfield ($129,790), Champaign-Urbana ($129,570), Rockford ($127,980). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Illinois have state income tax for physician assistants?▼
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $122,990 salary, this means roughly $6,088/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.