Louisville vs Murray: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Louisville, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $242,318▲ | $207,882 |
| Hourly Rate | $116.50▲ | $99.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,311 | $153,002▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $201,105▲ | $191,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $307,550▲ | $253,666 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $359,914▲ | $283,673 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Louisville and Murray is $34,436 (16.57%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $213,603,Murray spans $130,671. Louisville 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, Louisville ($271,353 effective) pays 16.57% more than Murray ($232,791 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($242,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($359,914)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $271,353)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Louisville grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Murray over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$202,505 (2024) → $230,340 (2025)
Murray, KY
$173,726 (2024) → $197,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Louisville or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Murray?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Murray as a nurse anesthetist?
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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