Blacksburg vs Chesapeake: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Blacksburg, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blacksburg, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $254,743▲ | $246,130 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.47▲ | $118.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $171,945▲ | $146,753 |
| 25th Percentile | $223,984▲ | $217,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $314,662 | $315,047▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $355,946 | $379,099▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 63▲ |
Verdict
Blacksburg and Chesapeake are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Blacksburg and Chesapeake is $8,613 (3.50%). Blacksburg's median is +2.35% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blacksburg spans $184,001,Chesapeake spans $232,346. Chesapeake 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, Blacksburg ($246,844 effective) pays 3.50% more than Chesapeake ($238,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blacksburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($254,743/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $246,844)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($379,099)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Blacksburg grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Blacksburg, VA
$220,053 (2024) → $242,151 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$229,423 (2024) → $233,964 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blacksburg, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Blacksburg or Chesapeake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Chesapeake?
Should I relocate from Blacksburg to Chesapeake as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Blacksburg vs Chesapeake?
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