Ellensburg vs Seattle: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $255,002 | $288,658▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $122.60 | $138.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $174,592 | $238,194▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $225,363 | $240,203▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $307,627 | $314,832▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $342,259 | $407,366▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Seattle is $33,656 (13.20%). Seattle's median is +15.98% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $167,667,Seattle spans $169,172. Seattle 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, Seattle ($259,741 effective) pays 9.40% more than Ellensburg ($237,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($288,658/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($407,366)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $259,741)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ellensburg grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$251,013 (2024) → $242,397 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$189,100 (2019) → $274,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ellensburg or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Seattle as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ellensburg vs Seattle?
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