Charlottesville vs Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $254,016▲ | $249,042 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.13▲ | $119.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $197,492▲ | $158,698 |
| 25th Percentile | $254,016▲ | $227,249 |
| 75th Percentile | $326,751▲ | $300,886 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,751 | $336,926▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Salem is $4,974 (2.00%). 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,Salem spans $178,228. Salem 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 6.17% more than Salem ($241,320 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 Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($336,926)
- ✓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 Salem over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$227,860 (2022) → $241,460 (2025)
Salem, VA
$215,129 (2024) → $236,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charlottesville or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Charlottesville vs Salem?
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