Charlottesville vs Lake Ridge: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Lake Ridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Lake Ridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $254,016▲ | $246,132 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.13▲ | $118.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $197,492▲ | $165,257 |
| 25th Percentile | $254,016▲ | $215,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $326,751▲ | $303,397 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,751 | $342,577▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge is $7,884 (3.20%). Charlottesville's median is +2.06% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $129,259,Lake Ridge spans $177,320. Lake Ridge 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, Charlottesville ($256,204 effective) pays 7.42% more than Lake Ridge ($238,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($254,016/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $256,204)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($342,577)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Charlottesville grew 6.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Lake Ridge over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$227,860 (2022) → $241,460 (2025)
Lake Ridge, VA
$212,615 (2024) → $233,966 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Lake Ridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charlottesville or Lake Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Lake Ridge?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Lake Ridge 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