Denver vs Louisville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Denver, CO and Louisville, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Louisville, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $227,968 | $243,446▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $109.60 | $117.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $191,632▲ | $169,697 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,601▲ | $217,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $228,621 | $296,112▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,263 | $329,788▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Louisville, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Louisville is $15,478 (6.79%). Louisville's median is -2.19% 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,Louisville spans $160,091. Louisville 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, Louisville ($231,853 effective) pays 7.58% 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 Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($243,446/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,788)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $231,853)
- ✓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 Louisville over the same period.
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
Louisville, CO
$215,186 (2024) → $231,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Louisville, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Denver or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Denver to Louisville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Denver vs Louisville?
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