Peoria vs Waukegan: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Peoria, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $327,098▲ | $242,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $157.26▲ | $116.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,623 | $154,495▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $322,922▲ | $206,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $329,392▲ | $300,193 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,392 | $359,360▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Peoria and Waukegan is $85,074 (35.15%). Peoria's median is +31.42% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $227,769,Waukegan spans $204,865. Peoria 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, Peoria ($358,538 effective) pays 43.85% 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 Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($327,098/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $358,538)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($359,360)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Peoria grew 48.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$209,292 (2024) → $310,930 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$209,067 (2024) → $230,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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