Athens vs Cincinnati: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Athens, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,021 | $232,671▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.19 | $111.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $155,597 | $183,490▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $199,980 | $201,311▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $272,506▲ | $246,841 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $303,710 | $331,527▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cincinnati is $7,650 (3.40%). Cincinnati's median is -6.52% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $148,113,Cincinnati spans $148,037. 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 ($248,094 effective) pays 1.69% more than Cincinnati ($243,967 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,094)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($232,671/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($331,527)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Athens grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.5% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Athens, OH
$180,936 (2024) → $213,898 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$164,490 (2019) → $221,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Athens or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cincinnati as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Athens vs Cincinnati?
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