Independence vs Lexington: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $220,500 | $255,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.01 | $122.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $149,181 | $217,848▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $193,963 | $218,511▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $272,281 | $285,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $308,784▲ | $285,650 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $34,820 (15.79%). Lexington's median is +2.58% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $159,603,Lexington spans $67,802. Independence 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, Lexington ($274,866 effective) pays 11.32% more than Independence ($246,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($308,784)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,320/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $274,866)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Independence grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Independence, KY
$184,272 (2024) → $209,601 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$168,480 (2019) → $242,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Independence or Lexington?
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Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a nurse anesthetist?
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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