Columbus vs Omaha: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $212,660 | $285,807▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $102.24 | $137.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $155,940 | $233,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $195,459 | $250,976▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $251,560 | $313,107▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $296,335 | $339,849▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Omaha is $73,147 (34.40%). Omaha's median is +14.83% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $140,395,Omaha spans $106,494. Columbus 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, Omaha ($310,961 effective) pays 33.80% more than Columbus ($232,415 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 Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($285,807/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($339,849)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,961)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbus grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.8% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$187,973 (2024) → $202,148 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$174,400 (2019) → $271,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbus or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Omaha as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Columbus vs Omaha?
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