Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Columbus, IN: $223,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Columbus, IN earns a median $223,905/year (≈ $107.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $245,241 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nurse anesthetists in Columbus, Indiana can expect a median annual salary of $223,905, which reveals a notable disparity compared to the national average. With salaries ranging from $148,914 at the 10th percentile to $302,049 at the 90th, the variability is influenced by several factors, including call coverage and lifestyle choices. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, placing Columbus’s nurse anesthetist pay roughly 10.04% below the national median salary of $248,893 for this role. The local job market reflects demand, suggesting lucrative opportunities for those willing to navigate different practice settings and compensation structures.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,914 | $71.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $195,058 | $93.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $223,905 | $107.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $270,155 | $129.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $302,049 | $145.22 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $153,135 (2026 est.). At $223,905, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $223,905/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $227,314 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -10.04% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Columbus, IN earn a median of $223,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $227,314.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A nurse anesthetist earning $223,905 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $245,241 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$157,242
2025 BLS Actual
$212,837
2026 Current Est.
$223,905
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $175,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $191,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $188,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $235,548 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $157,242 (2019) to $212,837 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $235,548 by 2027 — a total increase of $78,306 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $148,914 – $195,058 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $195,058 – $223,905 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $223,905 – $270,155 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $270,155 – $302,049 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Columbus
The employment of nine nurse anesthetists in the Columbus area indicates a small but potentially stable healthcare market. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, the purchasing power for nurses here is favorable, making the local salaries more attractive. In terms of employers, hospital systems generally offer the most competitive pay, followed by ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices. The wide salary range can be attributed to factors such as varying call rotation schedules, weekend differentials, and partnership opportunities in group practices. Maximizing compensation may involve strategically targeting shifts that command holiday pay or pursuing 1099 arrangements for enhanced earning potential. Understanding these nuances is essential for effectively negotiating and maximizing nurse anesthetist pay in Columbus, IN.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $212,837 for nurse anesthetistsin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov