Bear vs Smyrna: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,768▲ | $211,489 |
| Hourly Rate | $105.18▲ | $101.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,511 | $152,259▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $194,597▲ | $192,331 |
| 75th Percentile | $260,779▲ | $256,060 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,505▲ | $284,334 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $7,279 (3.44%). Bear's median is -12.10% 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,Smyrna spans $132,075. Bear 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, Bear ($215,111 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($207,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($218,768/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($287,505)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $215,111)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓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 Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$212,463 (2024) → $207,954 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$205,394 (2024) → $201,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bear vs Smyrna?
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