Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Council Bluffs, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,731▲ | $217,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $107.57▲ | $104.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,673 | $142,652▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,197▲ | $188,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $281,545▲ | $273,139 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,501▲ | $306,950 |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs is $6,445 (2.97%). Cedar Rapids's median is -10.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $184,828,Council Bluffs spans $164,298. Cedar Rapids 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, Cedar Rapids ($247,490 effective) pays 2.97% more than Council Bluffs ($240,361 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($223,731/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,501)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,490)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Council Bluffs over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$194,164 (2024) → $212,672 (2025)
Council Bluffs, IA
$188,571 (2024) → $206,546 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Council Bluffs, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs?
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Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs as a nurse anesthetist?
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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