Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Chesapeake vs Winchester: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesapeake, VA
$246,130
$118.33/hr
Winchester, VA
$243,341
$116.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesapeake, VAWinchester, VA
Median Salary$246,130$243,341
Hourly Rate$118.33$116.99
Entry Level (P10)$146,753$165,951
25th Percentile$217,065$215,216
75th Percentile$315,047$296,460
Top Earner (P90)$379,099$333,255
Total Employed634
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesapeake ($246,130) and Winchester ($243,341) nurse anesthetist salaries.ChesapeakeWinchesterMedian Salary$246,130$243,341Entry Level (P10)$146,753$165,951Top Earner (P90)$379,099$333,255US Median $248,893

Verdict

Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.

The salary gap between Chesapeake and Winchester is $2,789 (1.15%). Chesapeake's median is -1.11% 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,Winchester spans $167,304. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chesapeake
P10 (Entry)$146,753
P25$217,065
Median$246,130
P75$315,047
P90 (Top)$379,099
Winchester
P10 (Entry)$165,951
P25$215,216
Median$243,341
P75$296,460
P90 (Top)$333,255

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($238,498 effective) pays 1.15% more than Winchester ($235,796 effective).

Chesapeake
Nominal: $246,130
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $238,498
Winchester
Nominal: $243,341
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $235,796

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesapeake if…

  • Higher median salary ($246,130/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($379,099)
  • Larger job market (63 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $238,498)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Winchester if…

  • 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 Winchester over the same period.

Chesapeake, VA

+2.0%

$229,423 (2024) → $233,964 (2025)

Winchester, VA

+10.0%

$210,205 (2024) → $231,313 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chesapeake or Winchester?

Chesapeake has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $246,130/year, compared to Winchester at $243,341/year — a difference of $2,789 (1.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Winchester?

Chesapeake nurse anesthetists earn $118.33/hr while Winchester hygienists earn $116.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Winchester as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesapeake and Winchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesapeake = $238,498, Winchester = $235,796), job availability (63 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chesapeake vs Winchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $146,753 in Chesapeake and $165,951 in Winchester. The Winchester 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