Bellevue vs Tacoma: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bellevue, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $291,487▲ | $283,843 |
| Hourly Rate | $140.14▲ | $136.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $180,445 | $181,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $245,554▲ | $243,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $364,520▲ | $363,320 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $440,413▲ | $435,612 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Tacoma is $7,644 (2.69%). Bellevue's median is +17.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $259,968,Tacoma spans $253,916. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($271,403 effective) pays 2.69% more than Tacoma ($264,286 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($291,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($440,413)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $271,403)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bellevue grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$268,366 (2024) → $277,079 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$266,503 (2024) → $269,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bellevue or Tacoma?
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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