Apache Junction vs Mesa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Apache Junction, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apache Junction, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $236,368 | $248,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $113.64 | $119.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $167,184▲ | $163,684 |
| 25th Percentile | $214,025 | $216,467▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $283,830 | $311,000▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,799 | $361,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apache Junction.
The salary gap between Apache Junction and Mesa is $11,959 (5.06%). Mesa's median is -0.23% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apache Junction spans $150,615,Mesa spans $197,689. Mesa 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, Mesa ($252,109 effective) pays 5.06% more than Apache Junction ($239,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apache Junction if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($248,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($361,373)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,109)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Apache Junction grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Apache Junction, AZ
$199,433 (2024) → $224,684 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$222,317 (2024) → $236,052 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apache Junction, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Apache Junction or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apache Junction and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Apache Junction to Mesa as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Apache Junction vs Mesa?
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