Chicago vs Decatur: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Decatur, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Decatur, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,270 | $402,788▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.07 | $193.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,799 | $233,617▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,270 | $290,007▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $226,807 | $500,761▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $462,172 | $562,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,700▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Decatur, IL offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Decatur is $321,518 (395.62%). Decatur's median is -1.54% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $381,373,Decatur spans $328,539. 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, Decatur ($414,818 effective) pays 428.77% more than Chicago ($78,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($402,788/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($562,156)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $414,818)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Chicago grew -81.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$411,423 (2024) → $77,770 (2025)
Decatur, IL
$383,976 (2024) → $385,443 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Decatur, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Chicago or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Decatur as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Chicago vs Decatur?
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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