Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Catonsville vs Columbia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Catonsville, MD and Columbia, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Catonsville, MD
$259,730
$124.87/hr
Columbia, MD
$233,066
$112.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCatonsville, MDColumbia, MD
Median Salary$259,730$233,066
Hourly Rate$124.87$112.05
Entry Level (P10)$180,659$148,228
25th Percentile$232,116$198,621
75th Percentile$324,652$294,151
Top Earner (P90)$359,690$340,353
Total Employed1024
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Catonsville ($259,730) and Columbia ($233,066) nurse anesthetist salaries.CatonsvilleColumbiaMedian Salary$259,730$233,066Entry Level (P10)$180,659$148,228Top Earner (P90)$359,690$340,353US Median $248,893

Verdict

Catonsville, MD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.

The salary gap between Catonsville and Columbia is $26,664 (11.44%). Catonsville's median is +4.35% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Catonsville spans $179,031,Columbia spans $192,125. Columbia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Catonsville
P10 (Entry)$180,659
P25$232,116
Median$259,730
P75$324,652
P90 (Top)$359,690
Columbia
P10 (Entry)$148,228
P25$198,621
Median$233,066
P75$294,151
P90 (Top)$340,353

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Catonsville ($237,630 effective) pays 11.44% more than Columbia ($213,235 effective).

Catonsville
Nominal: $259,730
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $237,630
Columbia
Nominal: $233,066
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $213,235

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Catonsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($259,730/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($359,690)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $237,630)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Columbia if…

  • Larger job market (24 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Catonsville grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Columbia over the same period.

Catonsville, MD

+5.2%

$234,797 (2024) → $246,892 (2025)

Columbia, MD

+-12.4%

$252,865 (2024) → $221,546 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Catonsville or Columbia?

Catonsville has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $259,730/year, compared to Columbia at $233,066/year — a difference of $26,664 (11.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Catonsville and Columbia?

Catonsville nurse anesthetists earn $124.87/hr while Columbia hygienists earn $112.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Catonsville to Columbia as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Catonsville and Columbia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Catonsville = $237,630, Columbia = $213,235), job availability (10 vs 24 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Catonsville vs Columbia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $180,659 in Catonsville and $148,228 in Columbia. The Catonsville 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