Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Ardmore vs Tulsa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Ardmore, OK
$209,400
$100.68/hr
Tulsa, OK
$223,182
$107.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricArdmore, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$209,400$223,182
Hourly Rate$100.68$107.29
Entry Level (P10)$141,782$220,447
25th Percentile$184,932$220,447
75th Percentile$259,286$311,602
Top Earner (P90)$294,410$311,602
Total Employed7230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ardmore ($209,400) and Tulsa ($223,182) nurse anesthetist salaries.ArdmoreTulsaMedian Salary$209,400$223,182Entry Level (P10)$141,782$220,447Top Earner (P90)$294,410$311,602US Median $248,893

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Ardmore and Tulsa is $13,782 (6.58%). 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 Ardmore spans $152,628,Tulsa spans $91,155. Ardmore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Ardmore
P10 (Entry)$141,782
P25$184,932
Median$209,400
P75$259,286
P90 (Top)$294,410
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 6.21% more than Ardmore ($235,546 effective).

Ardmore
Nominal: $209,400
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $235,546
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 Ardmore 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 Ardmore grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Ardmore, OK

+12.7%

$176,678 (2024) → $199,049 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+18.9%

$178,440 (2019) → $212,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ardmore or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $223,182/year, compared to Ardmore at $209,400/year — a difference of $13,782 (6.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Tulsa?

Ardmore nurse anesthetists earn $100.68/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $107.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ardmore and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ardmore = $235,546, Tulsa = $250,165), job availability (7 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $141,782 in Ardmore 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