Pittsburgh vs State College: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,196▲ | $216,736 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.08▲ | $104.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $203,267▲ | $150,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $205,708▲ | $193,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $241,644 | $270,277▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $281,873 | $307,852▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and State College is $18,460 (8.52%). Pittsburgh's median is -5.50% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $78,606,State College spans $157,528. State College 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, Pittsburgh ($248,435 effective) pays 11.65% 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 Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,196/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,435)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($307,852)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in State College over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$170,320 (2019) → $223,570 (2025)
State College, PA
$199,691 (2024) → $206,023 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Pittsburgh or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and State College?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to State College as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Pittsburgh vs State College?
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