Albany vs Rochester: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $278,717 | $301,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $134.00 | $144.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $176,205▲ | $134,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $236,436 | $240,277▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $344,849▲ | $301,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,284▲ | $361,088 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $22,397 (8.04%). Rochester's median is +20.98% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $217,079,Rochester spans $226,337. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($310,315 effective) pays 29.04% more than Albany ($240,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,284)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($301,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,315)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Albany grew 35.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 57.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$195,730 (2021) → $264,940 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$181,680 (2019) → $286,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Albany or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a nurse anesthetist?
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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