Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Fairfield vs Hartford: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fairfield, CT and Hartford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fairfield, CT
$264,073
$126.96/hr
Hartford, CT
$243,854
$117.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFairfield, CTHartford, CT
Median Salary$264,073$243,854
Hourly Rate$126.96$117.23
Entry Level (P10)$181,684$76,375
25th Percentile$235,269$109,113
75th Percentile$321,938$297,779
Top Earner (P90)$391,381$342,731
Total Employed9230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fairfield ($264,073) and Hartford ($243,854) nurse anesthetist salaries.FairfieldHartfordMedian Salary$264,073$243,854Entry Level (P10)$181,684$76,375Top Earner (P90)$391,381$342,731US Median $248,893

Verdict

Fairfield, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.

The salary gap between Fairfield and Hartford is $20,219 (8.29%). Fairfield's median is +6.10% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfield spans $209,697,Hartford spans $266,356. Hartford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Fairfield
P10 (Entry)$181,684
P25$235,269
Median$264,073
P75$321,938
P90 (Top)$391,381
Hartford
P10 (Entry)$76,375
P25$109,113
Median$243,854
P75$297,779
P90 (Top)$342,731

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fairfield ($244,739 effective) pays 3.12% more than Hartford ($237,337 effective).

Fairfield
Nominal: $264,073
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $244,739
Hartford
Nominal: $243,854
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $237,337

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fairfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($264,073/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($391,381)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $244,739)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Hartford if…

  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fairfield grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Hartford over the same period.

Fairfield, CT

+-1.4%

$254,637 (2024) → $251,020 (2025)

Hartford, CT

+24.2%

$186,630 (2019) → $231,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fairfield or Hartford?

Fairfield has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $264,073/year, compared to Hartford at $243,854/year — a difference of $20,219 (8.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfield and Hartford?

Fairfield nurse anesthetists earn $126.96/hr while Hartford hygienists earn $117.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fairfield to Hartford as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fairfield and Hartford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fairfield = $244,739, Hartford = $237,337), job availability (9 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fairfield vs Hartford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $181,684 in Fairfield and $76,375 in Hartford. The Fairfield area offers higher starting salaries.
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