Lakewood vs Newark: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Lakewood, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $284,484 | $338,223▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $136.77 | $162.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $187,319 | $200,426▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $247,279 | $297,334▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $363,541 | $432,925▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $424,493 | $520,149▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Newark is $53,739 (18.89%). Newark's median is +35.89% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $237,174,Newark spans $319,723. Newark 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, Newark ($293,596 effective) pays 18.89% more than Lakewood ($246,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($338,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($520,149)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $293,596)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Lakewood grew -5.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Newark over the same period.
Lakewood, NJ
$285,749 (2024) → $270,422 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$302,848 (2024) → $321,505 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Lakewood or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Newark?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Newark as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Lakewood vs Newark?
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