Louisville/Jefferson County vs Bowling Green: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Bowling Green, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Bowling Green, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,091▲ | $220,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.54▲ | $105.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $222,814▲ | $136,958 |
| 25th Percentile | $222,814▲ | $198,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $234,102 | $278,887▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,625▲ | $322,513 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Bowling Green is $13,797 (6.26%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -5.95% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $103,811,Bowling Green spans $185,555. Bowling Green 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($251,511 effective) pays 1.95% more than Bowling Green ($246,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($234,091/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,625)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,511)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 49.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Bowling Green over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$148,810 (2019) → $222,520 (2025)
Bowling Green, KY
$184,100 (2024) → $209,405 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Bowling Green?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Bowling Green?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Bowling Green as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Bowling Green?
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