Flagstaff vs Mesa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $239,338 | $248,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.07 | $119.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $162,185 | $163,684▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $211,188 | $216,467▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $299,045 | $311,000▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $342,583 | $361,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 98▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Mesa is $8,989 (3.76%). Mesa's median is -0.23% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $180,398,Mesa spans $197,689. Mesa 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, Mesa ($252,109 effective) pays 3.76% more than Flagstaff ($242,983 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($248,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($361,373)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,109)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Flagstaff grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$201,939 (2024) → $227,508 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$222,317 (2024) → $236,052 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Flagstaff or Mesa?
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Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Mesa as a nurse anesthetist?
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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