Atlanta vs Athens: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $251,491▲ | $238,577 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.91▲ | $114.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,572 | $152,241▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $228,442▲ | $203,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $313,791▲ | $301,129 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $319,703 | $349,685▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens 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 Atlanta spans $168,131,Athens spans $197,444. Athens has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
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 Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($251,491/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($349,685)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $256,259)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Atlanta grew 47.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$161,730 (2019) → $239,060 (2025)
Athens, GA
$201,296 (2024) → $226,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Atlanta or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Atlanta vs Athens?
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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