Peoria vs Wheaton: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Peoria, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $327,098▲ | $237,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $157.26▲ | $114.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,623 | $163,480▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $322,922▲ | $211,481 |
| 75th Percentile | $329,392▲ | $298,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,392 | $343,750▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Peoria and Wheaton is $89,572 (37.71%). 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,Wheaton spans $180,270. 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 46.57% more than Wheaton ($244,620 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 Wheaton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($343,750)
- ✓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 Wheaton over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$209,292 (2024) → $310,930 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$205,181 (2024) → $225,785 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Peoria or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Wheaton as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Peoria vs Wheaton?
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