Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Baltimore vs Potomac: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Potomac, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$228,936
$110.07/hr
Potomac, MD
$263,826
$126.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDPotomac, MD
Median Salary$228,936$263,826
Hourly Rate$110.07$126.84
Entry Level (P10)$72,262$168,223
25th Percentile$201,605$240,765
75th Percentile$281,747$328,725
Top Earner (P90)$342,963$373,305
Total Employed42011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($228,936) and Potomac ($263,826) nurse anesthetist salaries.BaltimorePotomacMedian Salary$228,936$263,826Entry Level (P10)$72,262$168,223Top Earner (P90)$342,963$373,305US Median $248,893

Verdict

Potomac, MD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Potomac is $34,890 (15.24%). Potomac's median is +6.00% 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,Potomac spans $205,082. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$72,262
P25$201,605
Median$228,936
P75$281,747
P90 (Top)$342,963
Potomac
P10 (Entry)$168,223
P25$240,765
Median$263,826
P75$328,725
P90 (Top)$373,305

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Potomac ($241,378 effective) pays 10.17% more than Baltimore ($219,105 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $228,936
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $219,105
Potomac
Nominal: $263,826
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $241,378

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Larger job market (420 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Potomac if…

  • Higher median salary ($263,826/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($373,305)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $241,378)
  • 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 5.2% growth in Potomac over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+11.0%

$196,080 (2019) → $217,620 (2025)

Potomac, MD

+5.2%

$238,500 (2024) → $250,785 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Baltimore or Potomac?

Potomac has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $263,826/year, compared to Baltimore at $228,936/year — a difference of $34,890 (15.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Potomac?

Baltimore nurse anesthetists earn $110.07/hr while Potomac hygienists earn $126.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Potomac as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Potomac. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $219,105, Potomac = $241,378), job availability (420 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Baltimore vs Potomac?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $72,262 in Baltimore and $168,223 in Potomac. The Potomac area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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