Aurora vs Wheeling: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,654▲ | $235,915 |
| Hourly Rate | $114.74▲ | $113.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $155,406 | $165,339▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $200,955 | $211,937▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $298,357▲ | $295,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $344,968▲ | $336,816 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Aurora and Wheeling is $2,739 (1.16%). 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 Aurora spans $189,562,Wheeling spans $171,477. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($245,782 effective) pays 1.16% more than Wheeling ($242,961 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓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 Wheeling over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$206,155 (2024) → $226,857 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$203,790 (2024) → $224,254 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Wheeling?
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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