Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $221,781 | $250,944▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.62 | $120.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $150,116 | $163,323▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,713 | $232,997▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $276,638 | $316,926▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,805 | $390,166▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $29,163 (13.15%). Philadelphia's median is +0.82% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $167,689,Philadelphia spans $226,843. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($244,695 effective) pays 7.46% more than Lancaster ($227,701 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($250,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($390,166)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $244,695)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Lancaster grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.9% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$204,339 (2024) → $210,818 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$164,640 (2019) → $238,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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