Louisville/Jefferson County vs Lexington: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,091 | $255,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $112.54 | $122.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $222,814▲ | $217,848 |
| 25th Percentile | $222,814▲ | $218,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $234,102 | $285,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,625▲ | $285,650 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington is $21,229 (9.07%). Lexington's median is +2.58% 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,Lexington spans $67,802. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Lexington ($274,866 effective) pays 9.29% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($251,511 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,625)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,320/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $274,866)
- ✓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 44.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$148,810 (2019) → $222,520 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$168,480 (2019) → $242,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Lexington as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Lexington?
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