Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Austin vs Fort Worth: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Austin, TX
$257,729
$123.90/hr
Fort Worth, TX
$228,520
$109.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXFort Worth, TX
Median Salary$257,729$228,520
Hourly Rate$123.90$109.86
Entry Level (P10)$225,559$150,043
25th Percentile$225,559$198,752
75th Percentile$453,959$292,505
Top Earner (P90)$453,959$347,598
Total Employed480219
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($257,729) and Fort Worth ($228,520) nurse anesthetist salaries.AustinFort WorthMedian Salary$257,729$228,520Entry Level (P10)$225,559$150,043Top Earner (P90)$453,959$347,598US Median $248,893

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Austin and Fort Worth is $29,209 (12.78%). 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,Fort Worth spans $197,555. 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
Fort Worth
P10 (Entry)$150,043
P25$198,752
Median$228,520
P75$292,505
P90 (Top)$347,598

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($262,812 effective) pays 10.41% more than Fort Worth ($238,042 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $257,729
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $262,812
Fort Worth
Nominal: $228,520
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $238,042

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $262,812)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Fort Worth if…

  • 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 -1.9% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.

Austin, TX

+11.2%

$220,335 (2024) → $244,990 (2025)

Fort Worth, TX

+-1.9%

$221,459 (2024) → $217,224 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Austin or Fort Worth?

Austin has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $257,729/year, compared to Fort Worth at $228,520/year — a difference of $29,209 (12.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Fort Worth?

Austin nurse anesthetists earn $123.90/hr while Fort Worth hygienists earn $109.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Fort Worth as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Fort Worth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $262,812, Fort Worth = $238,042), job availability (480 vs 219 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Austin vs Fort Worth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $225,559 in Austin and $150,043 in Fort Worth. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

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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