East Chicago vs South Bend: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between East Chicago, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $219,390 | $234,478▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.47 | $112.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $149,994▲ | $149,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $194,140 | $200,827▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $272,030 | $291,408▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $309,069 | $336,024▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 26▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and South Bend is $15,088 (6.88%). South Bend's median is -5.79% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $159,075,South Bend spans $186,516. South Bend 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, South Bend ($256,821 effective) pays 6.88% more than East Chicago ($240,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($234,478/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($336,024)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $256,821)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in East Chicago grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$185,108 (2024) → $208,546 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$197,838 (2024) → $222,888 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: East Chicago or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and South Bend?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to South Bend as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in East Chicago vs South Bend?
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