Newark vs Plainfield: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Newark, NJ and Plainfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $338,223▲ | $286,185 |
| Hourly Rate | $162.61▲ | $137.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $200,426▲ | $179,973 |
| 25th Percentile | $297,334▲ | $242,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $432,925▲ | $347,550 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $520,149▲ | $423,008 |
| Total Employed | 61▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plainfield.
The salary gap between Newark and Plainfield is $52,038 (18.18%). Newark's median is +35.89% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $319,723,Plainfield spans $243,035. Newark 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, Newark ($293,596 effective) pays 18.18% more than Plainfield ($248,424 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($338,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($520,149)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $293,596)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Plainfield if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Newark grew 6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.4% growth in Plainfield over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$302,848 (2024) → $321,505 (2025)
Plainfield, NJ
$287,458 (2024) → $272,039 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Newark or Plainfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Plainfield?
Should I relocate from Newark to Plainfield as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Newark vs Plainfield?
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