Atlanta vs Valdosta: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $251,491▲ | $228,695 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.91▲ | $109.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,572 | $158,925▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $228,442▲ | $204,760 |
| 75th Percentile | $313,791▲ | $288,710 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $319,703 | $332,288▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Valdosta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Valdosta is $22,796 (9.97%). 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,Valdosta spans $173,363. Valdosta 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, Atlanta ($251,345 effective) pays 2.32% more than Valdosta ($245,644 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,345)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($332,288)
- ✓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 Valdosta over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$161,730 (2019) → $239,060 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$192,959 (2024) → $217,391 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Valdosta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Atlanta or Valdosta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Valdosta?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Valdosta as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Atlanta vs Valdosta?
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