Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Austin vs Corpus Christi: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Austin, TX and Corpus Christi, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$257,729
$123.90/hr
Corpus Christi, TX
$253,640
$121.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXCorpus Christi, TX
Median Salary$257,729$253,640
Hourly Rate$123.90$121.94
Entry Level (P10)$225,559$164,403
25th Percentile$225,559$219,721
75th Percentile$453,959$324,660
Top Earner (P90)$453,959$384,231
Total Employed48051
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($257,729) and Corpus Christi ($253,640) nurse anesthetist salaries.AustinCorpus ChristiMedian Salary$257,729$253,640Entry Level (P10)$225,559$164,403Top Earner (P90)$453,959$384,231US Median $248,893

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Corpus Christi.

The salary gap between Austin and Corpus Christi is $4,089 (1.61%). Austin's median is +3.55% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $228,400,Corpus Christi spans $219,828. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$225,559
P25$225,559
Median$257,729
P75$453,959
P90 (Top)$453,959
Corpus Christi
P10 (Entry)$164,403
P25$219,721
Median$253,640
P75$324,660
P90 (Top)$384,231

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corpus Christi ($264,208 effective) pays 0.53% more than Austin ($262,812 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $257,729
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $262,812
Corpus Christi
Nominal: $253,640
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $264,208

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($257,729/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($453,959)
  • Larger job market (480 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Corpus Christi if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $264,208)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Austin grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.7% growth in Corpus Christi over the same period.

Austin, TX

+11.2%

$220,335 (2024) → $244,990 (2025)

Corpus Christi, TX

+53.7%

$156,890 (2019) → $241,103 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Austin or Corpus Christi?

Austin has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $257,729/year, compared to Corpus Christi at $253,640/year — a difference of $4,089 (1.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Corpus Christi?

Austin nurse anesthetists earn $123.90/hr while Corpus Christi hygienists earn $121.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Corpus Christi as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Corpus Christi. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $262,812, Corpus Christi = $264,208), job availability (480 vs 51 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Austin vs Corpus Christi?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $225,559 in Austin and $164,403 in Corpus Christi. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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