Wausau vs Whitewater: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Wausau, WI and Whitewater, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wausau, WI | Whitewater, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $283,819▲ | $269,297 |
| Hourly Rate | $136.45▲ | $129.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,296▲ | $181,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $283,756▲ | $236,183 |
| 75th Percentile | $337,303▲ | $317,854 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $337,303 | $374,123▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Wausau, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Whitewater.
The salary gap between Wausau and Whitewater is $14,522 (5.39%). 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 Wausau spans $112,007,Whitewater spans $192,236. Whitewater 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 6.24% more than Whitewater ($288,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Whitewater if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($374,123)
- ✓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 Whitewater over the same period.
Wausau, WI
$207,400 (2022) → $269,790 (2025)
Whitewater, WI
$199,398 (2024) → $255,986 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wausau, WI
Whitewater, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Wausau or Whitewater?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wausau and Whitewater?
Should I relocate from Wausau to Whitewater as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Wausau vs Whitewater?
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