Athens vs Atlanta: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,577 | $251,491▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.70 | $120.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,241▲ | $151,572 |
| 25th Percentile | $203,702 | $228,442▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $301,129 | $313,791▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $349,685▲ | $319,703 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $12,914 (5.41%). Atlanta's median is +1.04% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $197,444,Atlanta spans $168,131. Athens 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, Athens ($256,259 effective) pays 1.95% more than Atlanta ($251,345 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($349,685)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $256,259)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($251,491/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Athens grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$201,296 (2024) → $226,784 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$161,730 (2019) → $239,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Athens or Atlanta?
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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