Abilene vs Houston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Abilene, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $243,762 | $289,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $117.19 | $139.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,045 | $178,114▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $213,992 | $232,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $299,071 | $340,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $366,714▲ | $360,058 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Houston is $45,864 (18.82%). Houston's median is +16.37% 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,Houston spans $181,944. Abilene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($293,652 effective) pays 15.65% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($366,714)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($289,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $293,652)
- ✓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 63.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$162,100 (2019) → $231,713 (2025)
Houston, TX
$168,180 (2019) → $275,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Abilene or Houston?
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Should I relocate from Abilene to Houston as a nurse anesthetist?
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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