Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Madison vs Mequon: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Madison, WI and Mequon, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$298,747
$143.63/hr
Mequon, WI
$265,243
$127.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMequon, WI
Median Salary$298,747$265,243
Hourly Rate$143.63$127.52
Entry Level (P10)$235,322$193,704
25th Percentile$245,726$244,052
75th Percentile$300,988$313,613
Top Earner (P90)$341,889$345,711
Total Employed1505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($298,747) and Mequon ($265,243) nurse anesthetist salaries.MadisonMequonMedian Salary$298,747$265,243Entry Level (P10)$235,322$193,704Top Earner (P90)$341,889$345,711US Median $248,893

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.

The salary gap between Madison and Mequon is $33,504 (12.63%). Madison's median is +20.03% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $106,567,Mequon spans $152,007. Mequon has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$235,322
P25$245,726
Median$298,747
P75$300,988
P90 (Top)$341,889
Mequon
P10 (Entry)$193,704
P25$244,052
Median$265,243
P75$313,613
P90 (Top)$345,711

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($307,078 effective) pays 8.13% more than Mequon ($283,986 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $298,747
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $307,078
Mequon
Nominal: $265,243
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $283,986

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($298,747/year)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $307,078)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Mequon if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($345,711)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Madison grew 45.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Mequon over the same period.

Madison, WI

+45.9%

$194,690 (2019) → $283,980 (2025)

Mequon, WI

+28.4%

$196,395 (2024) → $252,132 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Madison or Mequon?

Madison has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $298,747/year, compared to Mequon at $265,243/year — a difference of $33,504 (12.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Mequon?

Madison nurse anesthetists earn $143.63/hr while Mequon hygienists earn $127.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Mequon as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Mequon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $307,078, Mequon = $283,986), job availability (150 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Madison vs Mequon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $235,322 in Madison and $193,704 in Mequon. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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