Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Chicago vs Cicero: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chicago, IL and Cicero, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$279,706
$134.48/hr
Cicero, IL
$233,928
$112.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILCicero, IL
Median Salary$279,706$233,928
Hourly Rate$134.48$112.47
Entry Level (P10)$108,871$155,374
25th Percentile$172,402$204,055
75th Percentile$410,659$289,567
Top Earner (P90)$504,339$331,507
Total Employed84021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($279,706) and Cicero ($233,928) nurse anesthetist salaries.ChicagoCiceroMedian Salary$279,706$233,928Entry Level (P10)$108,871$155,374Top Earner (P90)$504,339$331,507US Median $248,893

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cicero.

The salary gap between Chicago and Cicero is $45,778 (19.57%). 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 Chicago spans $395,468,Cicero spans $176,133. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$108,871
P25$172,402
Median$279,706
P75$410,659
P90 (Top)$504,339
Cicero
P10 (Entry)$155,374
P25$204,055
Median$233,928
P75$289,567
P90 (Top)$331,507

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($270,000 effective) pays 12.07% more than Cicero ($240,915 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $279,706
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $270,000
Cicero
Nominal: $233,928
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $240,915

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Cicero if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Chicago grew 43.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Cicero over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+43.8%

$184,850 (2019) → $265,880 (2025)

Cicero, IL

+10.0%

$202,073 (2024) → $222,365 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chicago or Cicero?

Chicago has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $279,706/year, compared to Cicero at $233,928/year — a difference of $45,778 (19.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Cicero?

Chicago nurse anesthetists earn $134.48/hr while Cicero hygienists earn $112.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Cicero as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Cicero. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $270,000, Cicero = $240,915), job availability (840 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chicago vs Cicero?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $108,871 in Chicago and $155,374 in Cicero. The Cicero area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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