Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Gilbert vs Mesa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Gilbert, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gilbert, AZ
$251,372
$120.85/hr
Mesa, AZ
$248,327
$119.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGilbert, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$251,372$248,327
Hourly Rate$120.85$119.39
Entry Level (P10)$165,584$163,684
25th Percentile$219,228$216,467
75th Percentile$321,756$311,000
Top Earner (P90)$382,718$361,373
Total Employed4998
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gilbert ($251,372) and Mesa ($248,327) nurse anesthetist salaries.GilbertMesaMedian Salary$251,372$248,327Entry Level (P10)$165,584$163,684Top Earner (P90)$382,718$361,373US Median $248,893

Verdict

Gilbert, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.

The salary gap between Gilbert and Mesa is $3,045 (1.23%). Gilbert's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilbert spans $217,134,Mesa spans $197,689. Gilbert has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gilbert
P10 (Entry)$165,584
P25$219,228
Median$251,372
P75$321,756
P90 (Top)$382,718
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$163,684
P25$216,467
Median$248,327
P75$311,000
P90 (Top)$361,373

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gilbert ($255,200 effective) pays 1.23% more than Mesa ($252,109 effective).

Gilbert
Nominal: $251,372
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $255,200
Mesa
Nominal: $248,327
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $252,109

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gilbert if…

  • Higher median salary ($251,372/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($382,718)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $255,200)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Gilbert grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Gilbert, AZ

+12.7%

$212,092 (2024) → $238,947 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+6.2%

$222,317 (2024) → $236,052 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Gilbert or Mesa?

Gilbert has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $251,372/year, compared to Mesa at $248,327/year — a difference of $3,045 (1.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gilbert and Mesa?

Gilbert nurse anesthetists earn $120.85/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $119.39/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gilbert to Mesa as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gilbert and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gilbert = $255,200, Mesa = $252,109), job availability (49 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Gilbert vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $165,584 in Gilbert and $163,684 in Mesa. The Gilbert area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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