Cary vs Winston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Cary, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,546 | $227,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.14 | $109.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,150▲ | $75,975 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,806 | $158,284▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $200,529 | $288,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $240,341 | $316,883▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Winston is $64,833 (39.89%). Winston's median is -8.64% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $130,191,Winston spans $240,908. Winston 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, Winston ($247,036 effective) pays 42.25% more than Cary ($173,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($227,379/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($316,883)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,036)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Cary grew -21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Winston over the same period.
Cary, NC
$197,581 (2024) → $154,511 (2025)
Winston, NC
$195,730 (2021) → $216,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Cary or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Winston?
Should I relocate from Cary to Winston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Cary vs Winston?
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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