Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $184,994 | $194,122▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $88.94 | $93.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,725 | $130,926▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,725 | $170,457▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $222,477 | $239,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $248,125 | $271,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Vestavia Hills, AL offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills is $9,128 (4.93%). Vestavia Hills's median is -22.01% 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,Vestavia Hills spans $140,437. 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, Vestavia Hills ($220,844 effective) pays 9.40% 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 Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($194,122/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($271,363)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $220,844)
- ✓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 Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$167,900 (2019) → $175,850 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$167,085 (2024) → $184,527 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Birmingham or Vestavia Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Vestavia Hills as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills?
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