Detroit vs Waterford: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Detroit, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Waterford, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $255,773▲ | $249,671 |
| Hourly Rate | $122.97▲ | $120.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,324▲ | $169,027 |
| 25th Percentile | $240,708▲ | $220,186 |
| 75th Percentile | $266,545 | $311,452▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,778 | $357,812▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,170▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterford.
The salary gap between Detroit and Waterford is $6,102 (2.44%). 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,Waterford spans $188,785. Waterford 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, Waterford ($267,887 effective) pays 5.05% more than Detroit ($255,013 effective).
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 Waterford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($357,812)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $267,887)
- ✓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 Waterford over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$192,630 (2019) → $243,130 (2025)
Waterford, MI
$195,543 (2024) → $237,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Waterford, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Detroit or Waterford?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to Waterford as a nurse anesthetist?
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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