Philadelphia vs State College: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $250,944▲ | $216,736 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.64▲ | $104.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,323▲ | $150,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,997▲ | $193,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $316,926▲ | $270,277 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $390,166▲ | $307,852 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $34,208 (15.78%). 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,State College spans $157,528. 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 9.96% more than State College ($222,522 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 State College 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 State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$164,640 (2019) → $238,540 (2025)
State College, PA
$199,691 (2024) → $206,023 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
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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