Laurel vs Southaven: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Laurel, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laurel, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $197,271 | $209,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $94.84 | $100.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,459 | $144,711▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $178,990 | $187,040▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $238,460 | $255,743▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $264,596 | $290,703▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Laurel and Southaven is $12,555 (6.36%). Southaven's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $123,137,Southaven spans $145,992. Southaven 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, Southaven ($244,838 effective) pays 6.36% more than Laurel ($230,188 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($209,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($290,703)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $244,838)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Laurel grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Laurel, MS
$162,482 (2024) → $187,520 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$172,822 (2024) → $199,454 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laurel, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Laurel or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Laurel to Southaven as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Laurel vs Southaven?
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