Elk River vs St. Paul: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Elk River, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $240,192 | $269,285▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.48 | $129.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $170,047 | $174,313▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $216,855 | $233,097▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $287,808 | $335,102▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $345,232 | $417,392▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and St. Paul is $29,093 (12.11%). St. Paul's median is +8.19% 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,St. Paul spans $243,079. St. Paul 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, St. Paul ($273,386 effective) pays 12.11% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($269,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($417,392)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $273,386)
- ✓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 4.2% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$231,610 (2024) → $228,319 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$245,728 (2024) → $255,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Elk River or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Elk River to St. Paul as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Elk River vs St. Paul?
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