Aurora vs Centennial: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Centennial, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Centennial, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $230,057▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $110.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $143,109▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $193,628▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896▲ | $282,434 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914 | $347,297▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Centennial is $7,095 (3.18%). Centennial's median is -7.57% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $190,766,Centennial spans $204,188. Centennial 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, Centennial ($219,102 effective) pays 3.18% more than Aurora ($212,345 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($230,057/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($347,297)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $219,102)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Aurora grew -10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Centennial over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Centennial, CO
$235,447 (2024) → $218,685 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Centennial, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Centennial?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Centennial?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Centennial as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Centennial?
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