Baltimore vs Columbia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Columbia, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $228,936 | $233,066▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $110.07 | $112.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,262 | $148,228▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $201,605▲ | $198,621 |
| 75th Percentile | $281,747 | $294,151▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $342,963▲ | $340,353 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Baltimore and Columbia are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Columbia is $4,130 (1.80%). Columbia's median is -6.36% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $270,701,Columbia spans $192,125. Baltimore 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, Baltimore ($219,105 effective) pays 2.75% more than Columbia ($213,235 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($342,963)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $219,105)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($233,066/year)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Baltimore grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$196,080 (2019) → $217,620 (2025)
Columbia, MD
$252,865 (2024) → $221,546 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Columbia, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Baltimore or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Columbia as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Baltimore vs Columbia?
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