Indianapolis vs Muncie: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Muncie, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Muncie, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,321▲ | $230,483 |
| Hourly Rate | $114.10▲ | $110.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,772 | $151,907▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $194,536 | $200,165▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $289,289▲ | $284,418 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $308,531 | $325,149▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Muncie.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Muncie is $6,838 (2.97%). 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,Muncie spans $173,242. 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, Muncie ($252,446 effective) pays 1.79% more than Indianapolis ($247,995 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)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Muncie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($325,149)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,446)
- ✓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 Muncie over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$162,640 (2019) → $225,590 (2025)
Muncie, IN
$194,467 (2024) → $219,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Muncie, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Indianapolis or Muncie?
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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