Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Detroit vs Pontiac: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Detroit, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$255,773
$122.97/hr
Pontiac, MI
$247,057
$118.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPontiac, MI
Median Salary$255,773$247,057
Hourly Rate$122.97$118.78
Entry Level (P10)$232,324$163,178
25th Percentile$240,708$214,821
75th Percentile$266,545$305,130
Top Earner (P90)$317,778$348,966
Total Employed1,17012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($255,773) and Pontiac ($247,057) nurse anesthetist salaries.DetroitPontiacMedian Salary$255,773$247,057Entry Level (P10)$232,324$163,178Top Earner (P90)$317,778$348,966US Median $248,893

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.

The salary gap between Detroit and Pontiac is $8,716 (3.53%). Detroit's median is +2.76% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $85,454,Pontiac spans $185,788. Pontiac has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$232,324
P25$240,708
Median$255,773
P75$266,545
P90 (Top)$317,778
Pontiac
P10 (Entry)$163,178
P25$214,821
Median$247,057
P75$305,130
P90 (Top)$348,966

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pontiac ($265,083 effective) pays 3.95% more than Detroit ($255,013 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $255,773
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $255,013
Pontiac
Nominal: $247,057
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $265,083

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($255,773/year)
  • Larger job market (1,170 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Pontiac if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($348,966)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $265,083)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Detroit grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Pontiac over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+26.2%

$192,630 (2019) → $243,130 (2025)

Pontiac, MI

+21.4%

$193,496 (2024) → $234,845 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Detroit or Pontiac?

Detroit has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $255,773/year, compared to Pontiac at $247,057/year — a difference of $8,716 (3.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Pontiac?

Detroit nurse anesthetists earn $122.97/hr while Pontiac hygienists earn $118.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Pontiac as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Pontiac. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $255,013, Pontiac = $265,083), job availability (1,170 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Detroit vs Pontiac?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $232,324 in Detroit and $163,178 in Pontiac. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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