Denver vs Westminster: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Denver, CO and Westminster, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Westminster, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $227,968 | $262,800▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $109.60 | $126.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $191,632▲ | $177,461 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,601 | $226,883▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $228,621 | $334,251▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,263 | $389,478▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Westminster, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Westminster is $34,832 (15.28%). Westminster's median is +5.59% 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,Westminster spans $212,017. Westminster 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, Westminster ($250,286 effective) pays 16.14% 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 Westminster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($262,800/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($389,478)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,286)
- ✓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 Westminster over the same period.
Denver, CO
$184,810 (2019) → $216,700 (2025)
Westminster, CO
$232,293 (2024) → $249,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Westminster, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Denver or Westminster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Westminster?
Should I relocate from Denver to Westminster as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Denver vs Westminster?
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