Columbus vs Lima: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lima, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lima, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,864▲ | $238,564 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.25▲ | $114.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,955▲ | $170,248 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,965▲ | $216,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $341,679▲ | $287,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,132▲ | $321,048 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lima.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lima is $5,300 (2.22%). 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,Lima spans $150,800. 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, Lima ($263,025 effective) pays 2.97% 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 Lima if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $263,025)
- ✓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 34.9% growth in Lima over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$191,610 (2019) → $231,810 (2025)
Lima, OH
$168,090 (2021) → $226,772 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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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