Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Altus vs Tulsa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Altus, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Altus, OK
$209,779
$100.86/hr
Tulsa, OK
$223,182
$107.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAltus, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$209,779$223,182
Hourly Rate$100.86$107.29
Entry Level (P10)$141,181$220,447
25th Percentile$183,787$220,447
75th Percentile$247,234$311,602
Top Earner (P90)$291,098$311,602
Total Employed5230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Altus ($209,779) and Tulsa ($223,182) nurse anesthetist salaries.AltusTulsaMedian Salary$209,779$223,182Entry Level (P10)$141,181$220,447Top Earner (P90)$291,098$311,602US Median $248,893

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.

The salary gap between Altus and Tulsa is $13,403 (6.39%). Tulsa's median is -10.33% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $149,917,Tulsa spans $91,155. Altus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Altus
P10 (Entry)$141,181
P25$183,787
Median$209,779
P75$247,234
P90 (Top)$291,098
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$220,447
P25$220,447
Median$223,182
P75$311,602
P90 (Top)$311,602

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($250,165 effective) pays 6.01% more than Altus ($235,972 effective).

Altus
Nominal: $209,779
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $235,972
Tulsa
Nominal: $223,182
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $250,165

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Altus if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($223,182/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($311,602)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,165)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Altus grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Altus, OK

+12.7%

$176,998 (2024) → $199,410 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+18.9%

$178,440 (2019) → $212,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Altus or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $223,182/year, compared to Altus at $209,779/year — a difference of $13,403 (6.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Tulsa?

Altus nurse anesthetists earn $100.86/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $107.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Altus to Tulsa as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Altus and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Altus = $235,972, Tulsa = $250,165), job availability (5 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Altus vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $141,181 in Altus and $220,447 in Tulsa. The Tulsa area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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