Indianapolis vs Merrillville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,321▲ | $217,980 |
| Hourly Rate | $114.10▲ | $104.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,772 | $146,729▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $194,536▲ | $191,193 |
| 75th Percentile | $289,289▲ | $268,963 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $308,531▲ | $303,833 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Merrillville is $19,341 (8.87%). Indianapolis's median is -4.65% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $191,759,Merrillville spans $157,104. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($247,995 effective) pays 3.87% more than Merrillville ($238,751 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($237,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($308,531)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,995)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Indianapolis grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$162,640 (2019) → $225,590 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$183,917 (2024) → $207,205 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Indianapolis or Merrillville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Merrillville?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Merrillville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Indianapolis vs Merrillville?
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