Bellingham vs Spokane: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $267,083 | $271,048▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $128.41 | $130.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,405 | $230,009▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $227,054 | $252,270▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $330,531▲ | $317,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $395,329▲ | $373,860 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Spokane is $3,965 (1.48%). Spokane's median is +8.90% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $226,924,Spokane spans $143,851. Bellingham 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, Spokane ($270,113 effective) pays 8.62% more than Bellingham ($248,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($395,329)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($271,048/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $270,113)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bellingham grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$262,906 (2024) → $253,881 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$190,350 (2019) → $257,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bellingham or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Spokane as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bellingham vs Spokane?
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