Aurora vs Denver: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $227,968▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $109.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $191,632▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $225,601▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896▲ | $228,621 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914▲ | $246,263 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Denver is $5,006 (2.25%). Denver's median is -8.41% 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,Denver spans $54,631. Aurora 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, Denver ($215,507 effective) pays 1.49% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($331,914)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($227,968/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $215,507)
- ✓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 17.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Denver?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Denver as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Denver?
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