Bellingham vs Tacoma: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $267,083 | $283,843▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $128.41 | $136.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,405 | $181,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $227,054 | $243,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $330,531 | $363,320▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $395,329 | $435,612▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Tacoma is $16,760 (6.28%). Tacoma's median is +14.04% 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,Tacoma spans $253,916. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tacoma ($264,286 effective) pays 6.28% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($283,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($435,612)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $264,286)
- ✓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 1.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$262,906 (2024) → $253,881 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$266,503 (2024) → $269,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bellingham or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Tacoma as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bellingham vs Tacoma?
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