Elk River vs Minneapolis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Elk River, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $240,192 | $272,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.48 | $130.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $170,047 | $233,512▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $216,855 | $242,802▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $287,808▲ | $284,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $345,232▲ | $291,867 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,250▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and Minneapolis is $31,824 (13.25%). Minneapolis's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $175,185,Minneapolis spans $58,355. Elk River has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($259,503 effective) pays 6.42% more than Elk River ($243,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($345,232)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($272,016/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $259,503)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Elk River grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$231,610 (2024) → $228,319 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$180,450 (2019) → $258,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Elk River or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Elk River to Minneapolis as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Elk River vs Minneapolis?
Related Comparisons
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