Anniston vs Birmingham: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Anniston, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anniston, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $194,551▲ | $184,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $93.53▲ | $88.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $136,091▲ | $106,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $174,038▲ | $106,725 |
| 75th Percentile | $232,546▲ | $222,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $257,640▲ | $248,125 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Anniston, AL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Anniston and Birmingham is $9,557 (5.17%). Anniston's median is -21.83% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $121,549,Birmingham spans $141,400. Birmingham 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, Anniston ($221,332 effective) pays 9.65% more than Birmingham ($201,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anniston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($194,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($257,640)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $221,332)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Anniston grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Anniston, AL
$167,454 (2024) → $184,934 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$167,900 (2019) → $175,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anniston, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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