Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Chelmsford vs Lowell: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chelmsford, MA and Lowell, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chelmsford, MA
$256,697
$123.41/hr
Lowell, MA
$270,796
$130.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChelmsford, MALowell, MA
Median Salary$256,697$270,796
Hourly Rate$123.41$130.20
Entry Level (P10)$175,636$182,759
25th Percentile$228,055$238,754
75th Percentile$319,163$343,922
Top Earner (P90)$363,060$399,075
Total Employed829
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chelmsford ($256,697) and Lowell ($270,796) nurse anesthetist salaries.ChelmsfordLowellMedian Salary$256,697$270,796Entry Level (P10)$175,636$182,759Top Earner (P90)$363,060$399,075US Median $248,893

Verdict

Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelmsford.

The salary gap between Chelmsford and Lowell is $14,099 (5.49%). Lowell's median is +8.80% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chelmsford spans $187,424,Lowell spans $216,316. Lowell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Chelmsford
P10 (Entry)$175,636
P25$228,055
Median$256,697
P75$319,163
P90 (Top)$363,060
Lowell
P10 (Entry)$182,759
P25$238,754
Median$270,796
P75$343,922
P90 (Top)$399,075

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lowell ($249,582 effective) pays 5.49% more than Chelmsford ($236,587 effective).

Chelmsford
Nominal: $256,697
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $236,587
Lowell
Nominal: $270,796
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $249,582

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chelmsford if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Lowell if…

  • Higher median salary ($270,796/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($399,075)
  • Larger job market (29 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $249,582)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Chelmsford grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Lowell over the same period.

Chelmsford, MA

+0.7%

$242,369 (2024) → $244,009 (2025)

Lowell, MA

+0.7%

$255,681 (2024) → $257,411 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chelmsford or Lowell?

Lowell has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $270,796/year, compared to Chelmsford at $256,697/year — a difference of $14,099 (5.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chelmsford and Lowell?

Chelmsford nurse anesthetists earn $123.41/hr while Lowell hygienists earn $130.20/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chelmsford to Lowell as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chelmsford and Lowell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chelmsford = $236,587, Lowell = $249,582), job availability (8 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chelmsford vs Lowell?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $175,636 in Chelmsford and $182,759 in Lowell. The Lowell area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

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