Auburn vs Birmingham: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $197,676▲ | $184,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $95.04▲ | $88.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,180▲ | $106,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $174,749▲ | $106,725 |
| 75th Percentile | $251,410▲ | $222,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $283,359▲ | $248,125 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, AL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $12,682 (6.86%). Auburn's median is -20.58% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $149,179,Birmingham spans $141,400. Auburn 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, Auburn ($224,887 effective) pays 11.41% more than Birmingham ($201,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($197,676/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($283,359)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $224,887)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Auburn grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$170,144 (2024) → $187,905 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$167,900 (2019) → $175,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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