Houston vs San Marcos: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $289,626▲ | $263,740 |
| Hourly Rate | $139.24▲ | $126.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,114▲ | $172,239 |
| 25th Percentile | $232,324▲ | $228,668 |
| 75th Percentile | $340,627▲ | $325,076 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $360,058 | $371,433▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Marcos.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $25,886 (9.81%). Houston's median is +16.37% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $181,944,San Marcos spans $199,194. San Marcos 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, Houston ($293,652 effective) pays 6.89% more than San Marcos ($274,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($289,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $293,652)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($371,433)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Houston grew 63.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$168,180 (2019) → $275,310 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$209,101 (2024) → $250,703 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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