Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Duluth vs Moorhead: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Duluth, MN and Moorhead, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$274,320
$131.89/hr
Moorhead, MN
$235,778
$113.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNMoorhead, MN
Median Salary$274,320$235,778
Hourly Rate$131.89$113.35
Entry Level (P10)$220,278$166,799
25th Percentile$234,533$212,780
75th Percentile$301,251$282,787
Top Earner (P90)$323,174$338,157
Total Employed6011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($274,320) and Moorhead ($235,778) nurse anesthetist salaries.DuluthMoorheadMedian Salary$274,320$235,778Entry Level (P10)$220,278$166,799Top Earner (P90)$323,174$338,157US Median $248,893

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.

The salary gap between Duluth and Moorhead is $38,542 (16.35%). Duluth's median is +10.22% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $102,896,Moorhead spans $171,358. Moorhead has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$220,278
P25$234,533
Median$274,320
P75$301,251
P90 (Top)$323,174
Moorhead
P10 (Entry)$166,799
P25$212,780
Median$235,778
P75$282,787
P90 (Top)$338,157

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($309,030 effective) pays 29.10% more than Moorhead ($239,369 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $274,320
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $309,030
Moorhead
Nominal: $235,778
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $239,369

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($274,320/year)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $309,030)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Moorhead if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($338,157)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Duluth grew 18.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Moorhead over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+18.5%

$219,970 (2022) → $260,760 (2025)

Moorhead, MN

+-1.4%

$227,354 (2024) → $224,124 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Duluth or Moorhead?

Duluth has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $274,320/year, compared to Moorhead at $235,778/year — a difference of $38,542 (16.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Moorhead?

Duluth nurse anesthetists earn $131.89/hr while Moorhead hygienists earn $113.35/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Moorhead as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Moorhead. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $309,030, Moorhead = $239,369), job availability (60 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Duluth vs Moorhead?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $220,278 in Duluth and $166,799 in Moorhead. The Duluth 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