Athens vs Cleveland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,021 | $243,885▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.19 | $117.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $155,597 | $218,248▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $199,980 | $243,885▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $272,506 | $288,090▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $303,710 | $335,346▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $18,864 (8.38%). Cleveland's median is -2.01% 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,Cleveland spans $117,098. 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, Cleveland ($259,665 effective) pays 4.66% more than Athens ($248,094 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($243,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($335,346)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $259,665)
- ✓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 51.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$180,936 (2024) → $213,898 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$153,270 (2019) → $231,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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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