Mesa vs Phoenix: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $248,327 | $249,534▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $119.39 | $119.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,684 | $240,266▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $216,467 | $240,266▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $311,000 | $330,307▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $361,373▲ | $330,317 |
| Total Employed | 98 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Phoenix is $1,207 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $197,689,Phoenix spans $90,051. Mesa 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, Mesa ($252,109 effective) pays 4.38% more than Phoenix ($241,525 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($361,373)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,109)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($249,534/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Mesa grew 6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$222,317 (2024) → $236,052 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$152,640 (2019) → $237,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Mesa or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Phoenix as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Mesa vs Phoenix?
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