Columbia vs Towson: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbia, MD and Towson, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Towson, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $233,066▲ | $228,048 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.05▲ | $109.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,228 | $158,183▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $198,621 | $203,963▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $294,151▲ | $287,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $340,353▲ | $330,983 |
| Total Employed | 24▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Towson.
The salary gap between Columbia and Towson is $5,018 (2.20%). Columbia's median is -6.36% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $192,125,Towson spans $172,800. Columbia 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, Columbia ($213,235 effective) pays 2.20% more than Towson ($208,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($233,066/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,353)
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $213,235)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Towson if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbia grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.6% growth in Towson over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$252,865 (2024) → $221,546 (2025)
Towson, MD
$242,521 (2024) → $216,776 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Towson, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbia or Towson?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Towson as a nurse anesthetist?
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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.
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