Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Madison vs Oshkosh: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$298,747
$143.63/hr
Oshkosh, WI
$279,778
$134.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIOshkosh, WI
Median Salary$298,747$279,778
Hourly Rate$143.63$134.51
Entry Level (P10)$235,322$193,886
25th Percentile$245,726$250,094
75th Percentile$300,988$341,703
Top Earner (P90)$341,889$388,783
Total Employed15017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($298,747) and Oshkosh ($279,778) nurse anesthetist salaries.MadisonOshkoshMedian Salary$298,747$279,778Entry Level (P10)$235,322$193,886Top Earner (P90)$341,889$388,783US Median $248,893

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Madison and Oshkosh is $18,969 (6.78%). 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,Oshkosh spans $194,897. Oshkosh 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
Oshkosh
P10 (Entry)$193,886
P25$250,094
Median$279,778
P75$341,703
P90 (Top)$388,783

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($307,078 effective) pays 2.51% more than Oshkosh ($299,548 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $298,747
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $307,078
Oshkosh
Nominal: $279,778
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $299,548

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 Oshkosh if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($388,783)
  • 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 Oshkosh over the same period.

Madison, WI

+45.9%

$194,690 (2019) → $283,980 (2025)

Oshkosh, WI

+28.4%

$207,158 (2024) → $265,949 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Madison or Oshkosh?

Madison has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $298,747/year, compared to Oshkosh at $279,778/year — a difference of $18,969 (6.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oshkosh?

Madison nurse anesthetists earn $143.63/hr while Oshkosh hygienists earn $134.51/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Oshkosh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $307,078, Oshkosh = $299,548), job availability (150 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $235,322 in Madison and $193,886 in Oshkosh. 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