Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Atlanta vs Augusta: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$251,491
$120.91/hr
Augusta, GA
$222,298
$106.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAAugusta, GA
Median Salary$251,491$222,298
Hourly Rate$120.91$106.87
Entry Level (P10)$151,572$183,669
25th Percentile$228,442$222,298
75th Percentile$313,791$290,604
Top Earner (P90)$319,703$296,454
Total Employed470N/A
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($251,491) and Augusta ($222,298) nurse anesthetist salaries.AtlantaAugustaMedian Salary$251,491$222,298Entry Level (P10)$151,572$183,669Top Earner (P90)$319,703$296,454US Median $248,893

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Augusta is $29,193 (13.13%). 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,Augusta spans $112,785. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$151,572
P25$228,442
Median$251,491
P75$313,791
P90 (Top)$319,703
Augusta
P10 (Entry)$183,669
P25$222,298
Median$222,298
P75$290,604
P90 (Top)$296,454

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($251,345 effective) pays 3.91% more than Augusta ($241,883 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $251,491
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $251,345
Augusta
Nominal: $222,298
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $241,883

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($319,703)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,345)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Augusta if…

  • 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 15.9% growth in Augusta over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+47.8%

$161,730 (2019) → $239,060 (2025)

Augusta, GA

+15.9%

$182,250 (2019) → $211,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Atlanta or Augusta?

Atlanta has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $251,491/year, compared to Augusta at $222,298/year — a difference of $29,193 (13.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Augusta?

Atlanta nurse anesthetists earn $120.91/hr while Augusta hygienists earn $106.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Augusta as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Augusta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $251,345, Augusta = $241,883), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Atlanta vs Augusta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $151,572 in Atlanta and $183,669 in Augusta. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.

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AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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