Cedar Rapids vs Dubuque: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,731 | $227,676▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.57 | $109.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,673 | $148,948▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,197 | $197,072▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $281,545 | $285,369▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,501 | $327,674▲ |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque is $3,945 (1.76%). Dubuque's median is -8.52% 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,Dubuque spans $178,726. 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, Dubuque ($251,854 effective) pays 1.76% more than Cedar Rapids ($247,490 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($227,676/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($327,674)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,854)
- ✓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 Dubuque over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$194,164 (2024) → $212,672 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$197,587 (2024) → $216,422 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Cedar Rapids or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Dubuque?
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