Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Independence, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $220,500 | $234,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.01 | $112.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $149,181 | $222,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $193,963 | $222,814▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $272,281▲ | $234,102 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $308,784 | $326,625▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $13,591 (6.16%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -5.95% 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,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $103,811. 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($251,511 effective) pays 1.86% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($234,091/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,625)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,511)
- ✓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 49.5% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Independence, KY
$184,272 (2024) → $209,601 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$148,810 (2019) → $222,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Independence or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Independence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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