Wausau vs Wisconsin Rapids: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Wausau, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wausau, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $283,819▲ | $260,227 |
| Hourly Rate | $136.45▲ | $125.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,296▲ | $182,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $283,756▲ | $227,507 |
| 75th Percentile | $337,303▲ | $311,606 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $337,303 | $345,515▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Wausau, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids is $23,592 (9.07%). 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,Wisconsin Rapids spans $162,668. Wisconsin Rapids 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 9.95% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($278,616 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 Wisconsin Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($345,515)
- ✓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 Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Wausau, WI
$207,400 (2022) → $269,790 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$192,681 (2024) → $247,364 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wausau, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Wausau or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Wausau to Wisconsin Rapids as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Wausau vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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