Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Apache Junction vs Tucson: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Apache Junction, AZ
$236,368
$113.64/hr
Tucson, AZ
$268,701
$129.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApache Junction, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$236,368$268,701
Hourly Rate$113.64$129.19
Entry Level (P10)$167,184$164,698
25th Percentile$214,025$224,686
75th Percentile$283,830$343,018
Top Earner (P90)$317,799$402,126
Total Employed6137
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apache Junction ($236,368) and Tucson ($268,701) nurse anesthetist salaries.Apache JunctionTucsonMedian Salary$236,368$268,701Entry Level (P10)$167,184$164,698Top Earner (P90)$317,799$402,126US Median $248,893

Verdict

Tucson, 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 Tucson is $32,333 (13.68%). Tucson's median is +7.96% 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,Tucson spans $237,428. Tucson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Apache Junction
P10 (Entry)$167,184
P25$214,025
Median$236,368
P75$283,830
P90 (Top)$317,799
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$164,698
P25$224,686
Median$268,701
P75$343,018
P90 (Top)$402,126

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($272,793 effective) pays 13.68% more than Apache Junction ($239,968 effective).

Apache Junction
Nominal: $236,368
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $239,968
Tucson
Nominal: $268,701
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $272,793

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 Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($268,701/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($402,126)
  • Larger job market (137 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $272,793)
  • 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 12.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Apache Junction, AZ

+12.7%

$199,433 (2024) → $224,684 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+12.7%

$226,713 (2024) → $255,419 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tucson has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $268,701/year, compared to Apache Junction at $236,368/year — a difference of $32,333 (13.68%).

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

Apache Junction nurse anesthetists earn $113.64/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $129.19/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apache Junction and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apache Junction = $239,968, Tucson = $272,793), job availability (6 vs 137 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $167,184 in Apache Junction and $164,698 in Tucson. The Apache Junction area offers higher starting salaries.
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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