Columbia vs University City: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbia, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $326,299▲ | $219,856 |
| Hourly Rate | $156.87▲ | $105.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $226,622▲ | $146,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $257,729▲ | $191,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $326,299▲ | $269,906 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,299▲ | $296,691 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Columbia and University City is $106,443 (48.41%). Columbia's median is +31.10% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $99,677,University City spans $150,498. University City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($364,833 effective) pays 48.68% more than University City ($245,375 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 ($326,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,299)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $364,833)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbia grew 79.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in University City over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$172,490 (2019) → $310,170 (2025)
University City, MO
$189,918 (2024) → $208,989 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbia or University City?
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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