Aurora vs Fort Collins: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $258,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $124.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $169,945▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $219,042▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896 | $324,742▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914 | $376,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $35,974 (16.13%). Fort Collins's median is +4.04% 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,Fort Collins spans $206,073. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($246,606 effective) pays 16.13% 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 Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($258,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($376,018)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $246,606)
- ✓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 6.8% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$230,410 (2023) → $246,137 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
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