Aurora vs Colorado Springs: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $271,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $130.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $176,715▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $234,966▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896 | $338,256▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914 | $420,551▲ |
| Total Employed | 54 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Colorado Springs is $48,600 (21.80%). Colorado Springs's median is +9.11% 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,Colorado Springs spans $243,836. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($258,630 effective) pays 21.80% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($271,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($420,551)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $258,630)
- ✓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 51.7% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$170,150 (2020) → $258,139 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Colorado Springs as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Colorado Springs?
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