Aurora vs Wheat Ridge: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aurora, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,962 | $251,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19 | $120.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,148 | $178,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,886 | $227,077▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $282,896 | $310,796▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $331,914 | $352,607▲ |
| Total Employed | 54▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Wheat Ridge, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Wheat Ridge is $28,498 (12.78%). Wheat Ridge's median is +1.03% 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,Wheat Ridge spans $174,516. 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, Wheat Ridge ($239,486 effective) pays 12.78% 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 Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($251,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($352,607)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $239,486)
- ✓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 Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$237,224 (2024) → $211,941 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$222,268 (2024) → $239,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aurora or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Wheat Ridge as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aurora vs Wheat Ridge?
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