Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ankeny, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,659 | $223,731▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.13 | $107.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,605▲ | $141,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $191,766▲ | $190,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $276,817 | $281,545▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $319,000 | $326,501▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids is $5,072 (2.32%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $172,395,Cedar Rapids spans $184,828. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($247,490 effective) pays 2.32% more than Ankeny ($241,879 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($223,731/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,501)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,490)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ankeny grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$189,762 (2024) → $207,851 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$194,164 (2024) → $212,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ankeny or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Cedar Rapids as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids?
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