Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,729 | $235,196▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.16 | $113.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $154,737 | $203,267▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $192,744 | $205,708▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $270,548▲ | $241,644 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $306,236▲ | $281,873 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $16,467 (7.53%). Pittsburgh's median is -5.50% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $151,499,Pittsburgh spans $78,606. Altoona 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, Pittsburgh ($248,435 effective) pays 10.63% more than Altoona ($224,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($306,236)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,196/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,435)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Altoona grew 26.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$165,030 (2022) → $207,917 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$170,320 (2019) → $223,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Altoona or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Pittsburgh as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Altoona vs Pittsburgh?
Related Comparisons
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