Kirkland vs Seattle: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $266,405 | $288,658▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $128.08 | $138.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $167,705 | $238,194▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $225,659 | $240,203▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $328,976▲ | $314,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $375,187 | $407,366▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Seattle is $22,253 (8.35%). 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 Kirkland spans $207,482,Seattle spans $169,172. Kirkland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($259,741 effective) pays 4.71% more than Kirkland ($248,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland 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 Kirkland grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$262,239 (2024) → $253,237 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$189,100 (2019) → $274,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Kirkland or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Seattle as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Kirkland vs Seattle?
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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