Boulder vs Denver: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Boulder, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $262,779▲ | $227,968 |
| Hourly Rate | $126.33▲ | $109.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $177,413 | $191,632▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $232,534▲ | $225,601 |
| 75th Percentile | $334,198▲ | $228,621 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $389,404▲ | $246,263 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Boulder and Denver is $34,811 (15.27%). Boulder's median is +5.58% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $211,991,Denver spans $54,631. Boulder 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, Boulder ($250,266 effective) pays 16.13% more than Denver ($215,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($262,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($389,404)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,266)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Boulder grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$232,274 (2024) → $249,790 (2025)
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Boulder or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Denver?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Denver as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Boulder vs Denver?
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