Columbus vs Indianapolis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,905 | $237,321▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.65 | $114.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,914▲ | $116,772 |
| 25th Percentile | $195,058▲ | $194,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $270,155 | $289,289▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $302,049 | $308,531▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Indianapolis is $13,416 (5.99%). Indianapolis's median is -4.65% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $153,135,Indianapolis spans $191,759. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($247,995 effective) pays 1.12% more than Columbus ($245,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($237,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($308,531)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,995)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbus grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$188,917 (2024) → $212,837 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$162,640 (2019) → $225,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbus or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Indianapolis as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Columbus vs Indianapolis?
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