Aurora vs Waukegan: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,654 | $242,024▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.74 | $116.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $155,406▲ | $154,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $200,955 | $206,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $298,357 | $300,193▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $344,968 | $359,360▲ |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Waukegan is $3,370 (1.41%). Waukegan's median is -2.76% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $189,562,Waukegan spans $204,865. Waukegan 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, Waukegan ($249,252 effective) pays 1.41% more than Aurora ($245,782 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($242,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($359,360)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $249,252)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Aurora grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$206,155 (2024) → $226,857 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$209,067 (2024) → $230,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Waukegan as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Waukegan?
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