Liberal vs Wichita: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Liberal, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $211,010 | $216,228▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $101.44 | $103.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $153,379 | $181,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $193,630 | $204,088▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $248,999▲ | $223,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $294,068▲ | $223,119 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberal.
The salary gap between Liberal and Wichita is $5,218 (2.47%). Wichita's median is -13.12% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $140,689,Wichita spans $41,596. Liberal 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, Wichita ($243,100 effective) pays 4.72% more than Liberal ($232,134 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($294,068)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($216,228/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,100)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Liberal grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$173,798 (2024) → $200,580 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$148,750 (2019) → $205,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Liberal or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Wichita as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Liberal vs Wichita?
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