Madison vs Wausau: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Madison, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $298,747▲ | $283,819 |
| Hourly Rate | $143.63▲ | $136.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $235,322▲ | $225,296 |
| 25th Percentile | $245,726 | $283,756▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $300,988 | $337,303▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,889▲ | $337,303 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $14,928 (5.26%). 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,Wausau spans $112,007. Wausau has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($307,078 effective) pays 0.24% more than Wausau ($306,331 effective).
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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,889)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $307,078)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓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 30.1% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$194,690 (2019) → $283,980 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$207,400 (2022) → $269,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Madison or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wausau as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Madison vs Wausau?
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