Houston vs The Woodlands: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Houston, TX and The Woodlands, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $289,626▲ | $286,162 |
| Hourly Rate | $139.24▲ | $137.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,114 | $189,825▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $232,324 | $250,670▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $340,627 | $361,328▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $360,058 | $419,664▲ |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Woodlands.
The salary gap between Houston and The Woodlands is $3,464 (1.21%). 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,The Woodlands spans $229,839. The Woodlands 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, The Woodlands ($298,085 effective) pays 1.51% more than Houston ($293,652 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)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose The Woodlands if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($419,664)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $298,085)
- ✓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 32.1% growth in The Woodlands over the same period.
Houston, TX
$168,180 (2019) → $275,310 (2025)
The Woodlands, TX
$205,971 (2024) → $272,017 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Houston or The Woodlands?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and The Woodlands?
Should I relocate from Houston to The Woodlands as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Houston vs The Woodlands?
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