Arlington vs Houston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,373 | $289,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.36 | $139.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $137,015 | $178,114▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $187,591 | $232,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $286,444 | $340,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $336,337 | $360,058▲ |
| Total Employed | 83 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $64,253 (28.51%). Houston's median is +16.37% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $199,322,Houston spans $181,944. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($293,652 effective) pays 25.08% more than Arlington ($234,764 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($289,626/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($360,058)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $293,652)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Arlington grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 63.7% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$212,342 (2024) → $214,233 (2025)
Houston, TX
$168,180 (2019) → $275,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Arlington vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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