Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Baltimore vs Wheaton: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$228,936
$110.07/hr
Wheaton, MD
$272,002
$130.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDWheaton, MD
Median Salary$228,936$272,002
Hourly Rate$110.07$130.77
Entry Level (P10)$72,262$172,934
25th Percentile$201,605$231,471
75th Percentile$281,747$336,854
Top Earner (P90)$342,963$385,724
Total Employed42011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($228,936) and Wheaton ($272,002) nurse anesthetist salaries.BaltimoreWheatonMedian Salary$228,936$272,002Entry Level (P10)$72,262$172,934Top Earner (P90)$342,963$385,724US Median $248,893

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Wheaton is $43,066 (18.81%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% 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,Wheaton spans $212,790. 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
Wheaton
P10 (Entry)$172,934
P25$231,471
Median$272,002
P75$336,854
P90 (Top)$385,724

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheaton ($248,858 effective) pays 13.58% more than Baltimore ($219,105 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $228,936
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $219,105
Wheaton
Nominal: $272,002
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $248,858

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 Wheaton if…

  • Higher median salary ($272,002/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($385,724)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,858)
  • 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 Wheaton over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+11.0%

$196,080 (2019) → $217,620 (2025)

Wheaton, MD

+5.2%

$245,891 (2024) → $258,557 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Baltimore or Wheaton?

Wheaton has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $272,002/year, compared to Baltimore at $228,936/year — a difference of $43,066 (18.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Wheaton?

Baltimore nurse anesthetists earn $110.07/hr while Wheaton hygienists earn $130.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Wheaton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $219,105, Wheaton = $248,858), job availability (420 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $72,262 in Baltimore and $172,934 in Wheaton. The Wheaton 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