Arlington Heights vs Aurora: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $422,265 | $423,723▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $203.01 | $203.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $244,914 | $245,760▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $304,031 | $305,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $513,314▲ | $511,831 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $602,643 | $602,713▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Aurora is $1,458 (0.35%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $357,729,Aurora spans $356,953. Arlington Heights 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 ($436,378 effective) pays 0.35% more than Arlington Heights ($434,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($423,723/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($602,713)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,378)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Arlington Heights grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$372,669 (2024) → $402,157 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$373,955 (2024) → $403,546 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Arlington Heights or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Aurora as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Arlington Heights vs Aurora?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov