Ashland vs Lexington: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $281,519▲ | $255,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $135.35▲ | $122.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $190,180 | $217,848▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $247,823▲ | $218,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $338,701▲ | $285,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $376,368▲ | $285,650 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Ashland, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $26,199 (10.26%). Ashland's median is +13.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $186,188,Lexington spans $67,802. Ashland 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, Ashland ($315,251 effective) pays 14.69% more than Lexington ($274,866 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($281,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($376,368)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $315,251)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ashland grew 51.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$176,702 (2024) → $267,604 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$168,480 (2019) → $242,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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