Athens vs Macon: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Athens, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Macon, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,577 | $241,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.70 | $116.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,241 | $209,622▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $203,702 | $216,596▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $301,129▲ | $258,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $349,685▲ | $286,302 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Macon, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Macon is $3,173 (1.33%). Macon's median is -2.87% 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,Macon spans $76,680. 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, Macon ($273,077 effective) pays 6.56% more than Athens ($256,259 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)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Macon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($241,750/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $273,077)
- ✓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 39.8% growth in Macon over the same period.
Athens, GA
$201,296 (2024) → $226,784 (2025)
Macon, GA
$164,360 (2022) → $229,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Athens or Macon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Macon?
Should I relocate from Athens to Macon as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Athens vs Macon?
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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