Atlantic City vs Lakewood: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $310,245▲ | $284,484 |
| Hourly Rate | $149.15▲ | $136.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $243,896▲ | $187,319 |
| 25th Percentile | $246,494 | $247,279▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $318,567 | $363,541▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,609 | $424,493▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Atlantic City, NJ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Lakewood is $25,761 (9.06%). Atlantic City's median is +24.65% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $74,713,Lakewood spans $237,174. Lakewood 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, Atlantic City ($313,832 effective) pays 27.08% more than Lakewood ($246,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($310,245/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $313,832)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($424,493)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Atlantic City grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.4% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$278,053 (2024) → $294,910 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$285,749 (2024) → $270,422 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Atlantic City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Lakewood as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Atlantic City vs Lakewood?
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