Boston vs Watertown: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Boston, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $290,777▲ | $266,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $139.80▲ | $128.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $192,479▲ | $178,048 |
| 25th Percentile | $254,098▲ | $243,092 |
| 75th Percentile | $364,364▲ | $321,756 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $444,446▲ | $361,145 |
| Total Employed | 174▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Boston and Watertown is $24,231 (9.09%). Boston's median is +16.83% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $251,967,Watertown spans $183,097. Boston 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, Boston ($267,997 effective) pays 9.09% more than Watertown ($245,665 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($290,777/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($444,446)
- ✓Larger job market (174 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $267,997)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Boston grew 41.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Boston, MA
$194,720 (2019) → $276,404 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$251,669 (2024) → $253,371 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Boston or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Boston to Watertown as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Boston vs Watertown?
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