Carmel vs South Bend: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Carmel, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,242▲ | $234,478 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.10▲ | $112.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $161,336▲ | $149,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $209,019▲ | $200,827 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,010▲ | $291,408 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $339,730▲ | $336,024 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 26▲ |
Verdict
Carmel, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Carmel and South Bend is $764 (0.33%). Carmel's median is -5.48% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $178,394,South Bend spans $186,516. South Bend 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, Carmel ($257,658 effective) pays 0.33% more than South Bend ($256,821 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,242/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($339,730)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,658)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Carmel grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$188,150 (2024) → $223,614 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$197,838 (2024) → $222,888 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Carmel or South Bend?
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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