Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $39.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Chicago, IL runs $39.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,763 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the anesthesiologist hourly pay in Chicago, Illinois, is projected to be $39.07, significantly lower than the national median of $196.69 per hour. This lower hourly rate may influence those considering part-time work or per diem opportunities, as many anesthesiologists might choose to work three days a week, bringing their earnings to a total of approximately $61,000 annually based on a typical schedule. The hourly wage in Chicago can range from $38.84 (10th percentile) for entry-level positions to a remarkable $222.20 (90th percentile) for those at the top of their field, working in high-demand environments like main operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, or ambulatory surgery centers. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which reveal the economic realities of working in anesthesiology in the city.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.84 | $310.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.07 | $312.58 |
| Median (P50) | $39.07 | $312.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.05 | $872.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222.20 | $1777.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $39.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.07/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $81,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,887. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,562.90 | $6,773 | $81,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.74 | $4,064 | $48,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.16 | $2,709 | $32,508 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Chicago) | $39.07 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $81,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 80.13% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 79.50% below the Illinois state average of $396,437.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.07/hr = $48,763/year (purchasing power: $47,070).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,271/year (purchasing power: $78,451).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $197.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Chicago grew 30.2% from $28.71/hr (2019) to $37.39/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in Chicago
Exploring the earning potential for part-time anesthesiologists reveals that those working 24 hours a week could take home around $61,000 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. Meanwhile, per diem anesthesiologists in Chicago can command flexible, higher daily rates; typical billing ranges from $1,800 to $3,000 daily depending on the complexity of the cases, such as general anesthesia versus specialized cardiac or pediatric assignments. In terms of employer types, hourly rates can vary widely: those within hospital systems may receive a set salary that includes benefits, while those in locum tenens roles can earn higher rates but often sacrifice job security and health insurance. As realities of anesthesiology compensation evolve, professionals may find themselves negotiating for better terms, weighing the benefits of steady employment against potential flexibility in hourly arrangements. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those active in the job market in Chicago.
More salary data for Chicago, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists in Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov