Colorado Springs vs Denver: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $271,562▲ | $227,968 |
| Hourly Rate | $130.56▲ | $109.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $176,715 | $191,632▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $234,966▲ | $225,601 |
| 75th Percentile | $338,256▲ | $228,621 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $420,551▲ | $246,263 |
| Total Employed | 98 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $43,594 (19.12%). Colorado Springs's median is +9.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $243,836,Denver spans $54,631. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($258,630 effective) pays 20.01% more than Denver ($215,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($271,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($420,551)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $258,630)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 51.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$170,150 (2020) → $258,139 (2025)
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Colorado Springs or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Denver?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Colorado Springs vs Denver?
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