Bear vs Dover: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,768 | $226,227▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.18 | $108.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,511▲ | $145,831 |
| 25th Percentile | $194,597 | $207,445▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $260,779 | $274,519▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,505 | $307,746▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $7,459 (3.41%). Dover's median is -9.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $135,994,Dover spans $161,915. Dover 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, Dover ($222,445 effective) pays 3.41% more than Bear ($215,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($226,227/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($307,746)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $222,445)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bear grew -2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$212,463 (2024) → $207,954 (2025)
Dover, DE
$219,709 (2024) → $215,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bear vs Dover?
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