Austin vs San Antonio: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $257,729 | $293,939▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $123.90 | $141.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,559▲ | $172,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $225,559▲ | $217,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $453,959▲ | $316,936 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $453,959▲ | $328,708 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Austin and San Antonio are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Austin and San Antonio is $36,210 (14.05%). San Antonio's median is +18.10% 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,San Antonio spans $155,875. Austin 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, San Antonio ($310,337 effective) pays 18.08% more than Austin ($262,812 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($453,959)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($293,939/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $310,337)
- ✓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 26.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Austin, TX
$220,335 (2024) → $244,990 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$221,770 (2022) → $279,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Austin or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Austin to San Antonio as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Austin vs San Antonio?
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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.
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