Stamford vs Waterbury: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Stamford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Stamford, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $267,607 | $268,344▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $128.66 | $129.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $177,718 | $179,352▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $233,957 | $235,469▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $337,640▲ | $329,127 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $390,967 | $403,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 27▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stamford.
The salary gap between Stamford and Waterbury is $737 (0.28%). Waterbury's median is +7.82% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Stamford spans $213,249,Waterbury spans $224,167. Waterbury 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, Waterbury ($248,697 effective) pays 0.28% more than Stamford ($248,014 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Stamford if…
- ✓Larger job market (27 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($268,344/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($403,519)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $248,697)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Stamford grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Stamford, CT
$258,045 (2024) → $254,379 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$258,756 (2024) → $255,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Stamford, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Stamford or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Stamford and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Stamford to Waterbury as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Stamford vs Waterbury?
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