Wausau vs West Allis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Wausau, WI and West Allis, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wausau, WI | West Allis, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $283,819 | $284,049▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $136.45 | $136.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,296▲ | $181,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $283,756▲ | $242,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $337,303 | $352,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $337,303 | $403,354▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 13 |
Verdict
West Allis, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Wausau and West Allis is $230 (0.08%). West Allis's median is +14.12% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wausau spans $112,007,West Allis spans $222,324. West Allis 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, Wausau ($306,331 effective) pays 0.73% more than West Allis ($304,121 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $306,331)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose West Allis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($284,049/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($403,354)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Wausau grew 30.1% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in West Allis over the same period.
Wausau, WI
$207,400 (2022) → $269,790 (2025)
West Allis, WI
$210,320 (2024) → $270,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wausau, WI
West Allis, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Wausau or West Allis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wausau and West Allis?
Should I relocate from Wausau to West Allis as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Wausau vs West Allis?
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