Denver vs Durango: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Denver, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $227,968 | $244,881▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $109.60 | $117.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $191,632▲ | $181,002 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,601 | $226,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $228,621 | $290,290▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,263 | $335,009▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Durango, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Durango is $16,913 (7.42%). Durango's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $54,631,Durango spans $154,007. Durango 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, Durango ($233,220 effective) pays 8.22% more than Denver ($215,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($244,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($335,009)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $233,220)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Denver grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Durango over the same period.
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
Durango, CO
$216,454 (2024) → $232,777 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Durango, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Denver or Durango?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Durango?
Should I relocate from Denver to Durango as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Denver vs Durango?
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