Philadelphia vs Lancaster: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $250,944▲ | $221,781 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.64▲ | $106.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,323▲ | $150,116 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,997▲ | $190,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $316,926▲ | $276,638 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $390,166▲ | $317,805 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Lancaster is $29,163 (13.15%). Philadelphia's median is +0.82% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $226,843,Lancaster spans $167,689. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($244,695 effective) pays 7.46% more than Lancaster ($227,701 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($250,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($390,166)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $244,695)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Philadelphia grew 44.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$164,640 (2019) → $238,540 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$204,339 (2024) → $210,818 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Philadelphia or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Lancaster as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Philadelphia vs Lancaster?
Related Comparisons
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