Aurora vs Westminster: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Westminster, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Westminster, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $262,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $126.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $177,461▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $226,883▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896 | $334,251▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914 | $389,478▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Westminster, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Westminster is $39,838 (17.87%). Westminster's median is +5.59% 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,Westminster spans $212,017. Westminster 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, Westminster ($250,286 effective) pays 17.87% 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 Westminster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($262,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($389,478)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,286)
- ✓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 7.5% growth in Westminster over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Westminster, CO
$232,293 (2024) → $249,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Westminster, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Westminster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Westminster?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Westminster as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Westminster?
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