Carol Stream vs Chicago: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Carol Stream, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,321 | $279,706▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $112.66 | $134.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $149,565▲ | $108,871 |
| 25th Percentile | $213,772▲ | $172,402 |
| 75th Percentile | $291,719 | $410,659▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $332,030 | $504,339▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carol Stream.
The salary gap between Carol Stream and Chicago is $45,385 (19.37%). Chicago's median is +12.38% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carol Stream spans $182,465,Chicago spans $395,468. Chicago 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, Chicago ($270,000 effective) pays 11.88% more than Carol Stream ($241,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carol Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($279,706/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($504,339)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $270,000)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Carol Stream grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Carol Stream, IL
$202,413 (2024) → $222,739 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$184,850 (2019) → $265,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carol Stream, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Carol Stream or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carol Stream and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Carol Stream to Chicago as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Carol Stream vs Chicago?
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