North Little Rock vs Van Buren: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between North Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $232,460▲ | $200,766 |
| Hourly Rate | $111.76▲ | $96.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $156,245▲ | $145,195 |
| 25th Percentile | $204,874▲ | $183,056 |
| 75th Percentile | $294,937▲ | $247,487 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,403▲ | $278,009 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 5 |
Verdict
North Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between North Little Rock and Van Buren is $31,694 (15.79%). North Little Rock's median is -6.60% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Little Rock spans $185,158,Van Buren spans $132,814. North Little Rock 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, North Little Rock ($267,503 effective) pays 15.79% more than Van Buren ($231,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($232,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,403)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $267,503)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in North Little Rock grew 33.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
North Little Rock, AR
$166,132 (2024) → $220,970 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$158,100 (2024) → $190,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: North Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between North Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from North Little Rock to Van Buren as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in North Little Rock vs Van Buren?
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