Abilene vs Austin: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Abilene, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,762 | $257,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $117.19 | $123.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,045 | $225,559▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $213,992 | $225,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $299,071 | $453,959▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $366,714 | $453,959▲ |
| Total Employed | 26 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Austin is $13,967 (5.73%). Austin's median is +3.55% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $203,669,Austin spans $228,400. Austin 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, Austin ($262,812 effective) pays 3.50% more than Abilene ($253,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($257,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($453,959)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $262,812)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Abilene grew 42.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Austin over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$162,100 (2019) → $231,713 (2025)
Austin, TX
$220,335 (2024) → $244,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Abilene or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Austin?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Austin as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Abilene vs Austin?
Related Comparisons
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