Denver vs Lafayette: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Denver, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $227,968 | $252,920▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $109.60 | $121.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $191,632▲ | $160,669 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,601 | $230,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $228,621 | $304,829▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,263 | $357,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lafayette, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Lafayette is $24,952 (10.95%). Lafayette's median is +1.62% 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,Lafayette spans $196,812. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($240,876 effective) pays 11.77% 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 Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($252,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($357,481)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $240,876)
- ✓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 Lafayette over the same period.
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$223,559 (2024) → $240,418 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Denver or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Denver to Lafayette as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Denver vs Lafayette?
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