Ithaca vs Rochester: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $284,234 | $301,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $136.65 | $144.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $189,038▲ | $134,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $247,615▲ | $240,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $342,515▲ | $301,114 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $384,140▲ | $361,088 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ithaca.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $16,880 (5.94%). Rochester's median is +20.98% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $195,102,Rochester spans $226,337. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($310,315 effective) pays 26.53% more than Ithaca ($245,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($384,140)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($301,114/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,315)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ithaca grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$268,368 (2024) → $270,184 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$181,680 (2019) → $286,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ithaca vs Rochester?
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