Chesapeake vs Portsmouth: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Portsmouth, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Portsmouth, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $246,130 | $248,542▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $118.33 | $119.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,753 | $164,700▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $217,065▲ | $216,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $315,047▲ | $307,657 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $379,099▲ | $351,263 |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Chesapeake and Portsmouth are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Portsmouth is $2,412 (0.98%). Portsmouth's median is -0.14% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $232,346,Portsmouth spans $186,563. Chesapeake 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, Portsmouth ($240,835 effective) pays 0.98% more than Chesapeake ($238,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($379,099)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($248,542/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $240,835)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Chesapeake grew 2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$229,423 (2024) → $233,964 (2025)
Portsmouth, VA
$214,697 (2024) → $236,257 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Portsmouth, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chesapeake or Portsmouth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Portsmouth?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Portsmouth as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chesapeake vs Portsmouth?
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