Aurora vs Crystal Lake: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Aurora, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $392,276▲ | $378,282 |
| Hourly Rate | $188.59▲ | $181.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $227,521▲ | $219,403 |
| 25th Percentile | $282,438▲ | $272,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $493,915▲ | $474,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $562,276▲ | $531,958 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Aurora and Crystal Lake is $13,994 (3.70%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $334,755,Crystal Lake spans $312,555. Aurora 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, Aurora ($403,992 effective) pays 3.70% more than Crystal Lake ($389,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($392,276/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($562,276)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $403,992)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Aurora grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$373,955 (2024) → $375,384 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$360,615 (2024) → $361,992 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov