Salem vs Worcester: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $260,197 | $276,047▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $125.09 | $132.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $184,588▲ | $180,810 |
| 25th Percentile | $235,450 | $239,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $312,444 | $344,359▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $374,108 | $427,873▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $15,850 (6.09%). Worcester's median is +10.91% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $189,520,Worcester spans $247,063. Worcester 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, Worcester ($254,421 effective) pays 6.09% more than Salem ($239,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($276,047/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($427,873)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $254,421)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Salem grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$245,674 (2024) → $247,336 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$260,639 (2024) → $262,402 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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