Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Caldwell vs Meridian: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Caldwell, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Caldwell, ID
$239,059
$114.93/hr
Meridian, ID
$238,081
$114.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCaldwell, IDMeridian, ID
Median Salary$239,059$238,081
Hourly Rate$114.93$114.46
Entry Level (P10)$148,103$160,799
25th Percentile$214,866$210,181
75th Percentile$293,141$293,301
Top Earner (P90)$334,149$351,329
Total Employed830
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Caldwell ($239,059) and Meridian ($238,081) nurse anesthetist salaries.CaldwellMeridianMedian Salary$239,059$238,081Entry Level (P10)$148,103$160,799Top Earner (P90)$334,149$351,329US Median $248,893

Verdict

Caldwell and Meridian are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Caldwell and Meridian is $978 (0.41%). Caldwell's median is -3.95% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caldwell spans $186,046,Meridian spans $190,530. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Caldwell
P10 (Entry)$148,103
P25$214,866
Median$239,059
P75$293,141
P90 (Top)$334,149
Meridian
P10 (Entry)$160,799
P25$210,181
Median$238,081
P75$293,301
P90 (Top)$351,329

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Caldwell ($250,849 effective) pays 0.41% more than Meridian ($249,823 effective).

Caldwell
Nominal: $239,059
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $250,849
Meridian
Nominal: $238,081
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $249,823

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Caldwell if…

  • Higher median salary ($239,059/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,849)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Meridian if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($351,329)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Caldwell grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Meridian over the same period.

Caldwell, ID

+12.7%

$201,703 (2024) → $227,242 (2025)

Meridian, ID

+12.7%

$200,878 (2024) → $226,313 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Caldwell or Meridian?

Caldwell has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $239,059/year, compared to Meridian at $238,081/year — a difference of $978 (0.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Caldwell and Meridian?

Caldwell nurse anesthetists earn $114.93/hr while Meridian hygienists earn $114.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Caldwell to Meridian as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Caldwell and Meridian. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Caldwell = $250,849, Meridian = $249,823), job availability (8 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Caldwell vs Meridian?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $148,103 in Caldwell and $160,799 in Meridian. The Meridian area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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