Sun Prairie vs Wausau: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Sun Prairie, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sun Prairie, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $275,778 | $283,819▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $132.58 | $136.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $177,008 | $225,296▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $252,317 | $283,756▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $344,451▲ | $337,303 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $391,244▲ | $337,303 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Wausau, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.
The salary gap between Sun Prairie and Wausau is $8,041 (2.92%). Wausau's median is +14.03% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sun Prairie spans $214,236,Wausau spans $112,007. Sun Prairie 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, Wausau ($306,331 effective) pays 3.75% more than Sun Prairie ($295,266 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sun Prairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($391,244)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($283,819/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $306,331)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Sun Prairie grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Sun Prairie, WI
$204,196 (2024) → $262,146 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$207,400 (2022) → $269,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sun Prairie, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Sun Prairie or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sun Prairie and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Sun Prairie to Wausau as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Sun Prairie vs Wausau?
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