Birmingham vs Opelika: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Opelika, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Opelika, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $184,994 | $195,300▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $88.94 | $93.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,725 | $139,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,725 | $177,258▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $222,477 | $242,400▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $248,125 | $274,797▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Opelika, AL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Opelika is $10,306 (5.57%). Opelika's median is -21.53% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $141,400,Opelika spans $135,475. Birmingham 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, Opelika ($222,184 effective) pays 10.07% more than Birmingham ($201,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Opelika if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($195,300/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($274,797)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $222,184)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Birmingham grew 4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$167,900 (2019) → $175,850 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$168,098 (2024) → $185,646 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Birmingham or Opelika?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Opelika?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Opelika as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Birmingham vs Opelika?
Related Comparisons
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