Lowell vs Waltham: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Lowell, MA and Waltham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $270,796▲ | $262,781 |
| Hourly Rate | $130.20▲ | $126.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $182,759▲ | $176,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $238,754▲ | $230,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $343,922▲ | $332,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $399,075▲ | $375,128 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Lowell and Waltham is $8,015 (3.05%). Lowell's median is +8.80% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lowell spans $216,316,Waltham spans $198,403. Lowell 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, Lowell ($249,582 effective) pays 3.05% more than Waltham ($242,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lowell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($270,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($399,075)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $249,582)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Lowell grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Waltham over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$255,681 (2024) → $257,411 (2025)
Waltham, MA
$248,114 (2024) → $249,792 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Waltham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Lowell or Waltham?
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Should I relocate from Lowell to Waltham as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Lowell vs Waltham?
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