Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Apache Junction vs Phoenix: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Apache Junction, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Apache Junction, AZ
$236,368
$113.64/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$249,534
$119.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApache Junction, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$236,368$249,534
Hourly Rate$113.64$119.97
Entry Level (P10)$167,184$240,266
25th Percentile$214,025$240,266
75th Percentile$283,830$330,307
Top Earner (P90)$317,799$330,317
Total Employed6230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apache Junction ($236,368) and Phoenix ($249,534) nurse anesthetist salaries.Apache JunctionPhoenixMedian Salary$236,368$249,534Entry Level (P10)$167,184$240,266Top Earner (P90)$317,799$330,317US Median $248,893

Verdict

Phoenix, 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 Phoenix is $13,166 (5.57%). Phoenix's median is +0.26% 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,Phoenix spans $90,051. Apache Junction has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Apache Junction
P10 (Entry)$167,184
P25$214,025
Median$236,368
P75$283,830
P90 (Top)$317,799
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$240,266
P25$240,266
Median$249,534
P75$330,307
P90 (Top)$330,317

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($241,525 effective) pays 0.65% more than Apache Junction ($239,968 effective).

Apache Junction
Nominal: $236,368
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $239,968
Phoenix
Nominal: $249,534
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $241,525

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 Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($249,534/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($330,317)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $241,525)
  • 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 55.4% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Apache Junction, AZ

+12.7%

$199,433 (2024) → $224,684 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+55.4%

$152,640 (2019) → $237,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Apache Junction or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $249,534/year, compared to Apache Junction at $236,368/year — a difference of $13,166 (5.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Apache Junction and Phoenix?

Apache Junction nurse anesthetists earn $113.64/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $119.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Apache Junction to Phoenix as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apache Junction and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apache Junction = $239,968, Phoenix = $241,525), job availability (6 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Apache Junction vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $167,184 in Apache Junction and $240,266 in Phoenix. The Phoenix 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