Arlington Heights vs Aurora: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,832 | $238,654▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.34 | $114.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $164,178▲ | $155,406 |
| 25th Percentile | $212,119▲ | $200,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $299,057▲ | $298,357 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $344,802 | $344,968▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Aurora is $822 (0.35%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $180,624,Aurora spans $189,562. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($245,782 effective) pays 0.35% more than Arlington Heights ($244,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($238,654/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($344,968)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $245,782)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Arlington Heights grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$205,446 (2024) → $226,076 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$206,155 (2024) → $226,857 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Arlington Heights or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Aurora as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Arlington Heights vs Aurora?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov