Chicago vs Waukegan: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $279,706▲ | $242,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $134.48▲ | $116.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,871 | $154,495▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $172,402 | $206,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $410,659▲ | $300,193 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $504,339▲ | $359,360 |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Chicago and Waukegan is $37,682 (15.57%). 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,Waukegan spans $204,865. Chicago 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, Chicago ($270,000 effective) pays 8.32% more than Waukegan ($249,252 effective).
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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$184,850 (2019) → $265,880 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$209,067 (2024) → $230,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chicago or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Waukegan as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chicago 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