Columbus vs Dayton: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,864 | $255,026▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $117.25 | $122.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,955▲ | $74,092 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,965▲ | $195,619 |
| 75th Percentile | $341,679▲ | $308,446 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,132▲ | $327,056 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Columbus and Dayton are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbus and Dayton is $11,162 (4.58%). Dayton's median is +2.46% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $160,177,Dayton spans $252,964. Dayton 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, Dayton ($275,127 effective) pays 7.71% more than Columbus ($255,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,132)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,026/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $275,127)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbus grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$191,610 (2019) → $231,810 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$167,150 (2019) → $242,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbus or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Dayton as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Columbus vs Dayton?
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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