Auburn vs Huntsville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Auburn, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $197,676 | $224,697▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $95.04 | $108.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $134,180 | $187,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $174,749 | $218,279▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $251,410▲ | $224,697 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $283,359▲ | $236,921 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Huntsville is $27,021 (13.67%). Huntsville's median is -9.72% 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,Huntsville spans $49,612. 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, Huntsville ($241,423 effective) pays 7.35% more than Auburn ($224,887 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($283,359)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($224,697/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $241,423)
- ✓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 36.5% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$170,144 (2024) → $187,905 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$156,430 (2019) → $213,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Auburn or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Huntsville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Auburn vs Huntsville?
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