Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Annapolis vs Columbia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Annapolis, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Annapolis, MD
$266,084
$127.92/hr
Columbia, MD
$233,066
$112.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnnapolis, MDColumbia, MD
Median Salary$266,084$233,066
Hourly Rate$127.92$112.05
Entry Level (P10)$173,702$148,228
25th Percentile$229,392$198,621
75th Percentile$318,306$294,151
Top Earner (P90)$381,581$340,353
Total Employed624
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Annapolis ($266,084) and Columbia ($233,066) nurse anesthetist salaries.AnnapolisColumbiaMedian Salary$266,084$233,066Entry Level (P10)$173,702$148,228Top Earner (P90)$381,581$340,353US Median $248,893

Verdict

Annapolis, MD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.

The salary gap between Annapolis and Columbia is $33,018 (14.17%). Annapolis's median is +6.91% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annapolis spans $207,879,Columbia spans $192,125. Annapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Annapolis
P10 (Entry)$173,702
P25$229,392
Median$266,084
P75$318,306
P90 (Top)$381,581
Columbia
P10 (Entry)$148,228
P25$198,621
Median$233,066
P75$294,151
P90 (Top)$340,353

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Annapolis ($243,444 effective) pays 14.17% more than Columbia ($213,235 effective).

Annapolis
Nominal: $266,084
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $243,444
Columbia
Nominal: $233,066
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $213,235

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Annapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($266,084/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($381,581)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,444)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (24 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Annapolis grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Columbia over the same period.

Annapolis, MD

+5.2%

$240,542 (2024) → $252,932 (2025)

Columbia, MD

+-12.4%

$252,865 (2024) → $221,546 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Annapolis or Columbia?

Annapolis has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $266,084/year, compared to Columbia at $233,066/year — a difference of $33,018 (14.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Annapolis and Columbia?

Annapolis nurse anesthetists earn $127.92/hr while Columbia hygienists earn $112.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Annapolis to Columbia as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Annapolis and Columbia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Annapolis = $243,444, Columbia = $213,235), job availability (6 vs 24 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Annapolis vs Columbia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $173,702 in Annapolis and $148,228 in Columbia. The Annapolis area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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