Columbus vs Lancaster: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,864▲ | $240,897 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.25▲ | $115.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,955▲ | $163,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,965▲ | $212,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $341,679▲ | $297,833 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,132▲ | $337,947 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lancaster is $2,967 (1.23%). Columbus's median is -2.02% 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,Lancaster spans $174,457. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($265,598 effective) pays 3.98% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($243,864/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,132)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $265,598)
- ✓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 18.2% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$191,610 (2019) → $231,810 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$193,702 (2024) → $228,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbus or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lancaster as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Columbus vs Lancaster?
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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