Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Nogales vs Tucson: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Nogales, AZ
$230,938
$111.03/hr
Tucson, AZ
$268,701
$129.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNogales, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$230,938$268,701
Hourly Rate$111.03$129.19
Entry Level (P10)$152,865$164,698
25th Percentile$214,752$224,686
75th Percentile$275,266$343,018
Top Earner (P90)$303,744$402,126
Total Employed5137
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nogales ($230,938) and Tucson ($268,701) nurse anesthetist salaries.NogalesTucsonMedian Salary$230,938$268,701Entry Level (P10)$152,865$164,698Top Earner (P90)$303,744$402,126US Median $248,893

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.

The salary gap between Nogales and Tucson is $37,763 (16.35%). Tucson's median is +7.96% compared to the US national median of $248,893.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nogales spans $150,879,Tucson spans $237,428. Tucson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Nogales
P10 (Entry)$152,865
P25$214,752
Median$230,938
P75$275,266
P90 (Top)$303,744
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$164,698
P25$224,686
Median$268,701
P75$343,018
P90 (Top)$402,126

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($272,793 effective) pays 16.35% more than Nogales ($234,455 effective).

Nogales
Nominal: $230,938
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $234,455
Tucson
Nominal: $268,701
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $272,793

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nogales if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($268,701/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($402,126)
  • Larger job market (137 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $272,793)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Nogales, AZ

+12.7%

$194,851 (2024) → $219,523 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+12.7%

$226,713 (2024) → $255,419 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Nogales or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $268,701/year, compared to Nogales at $230,938/year — a difference of $37,763 (16.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nogales and Tucson?

Nogales nurse anesthetists earn $111.03/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $129.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nogales to Tucson as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nogales and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nogales = $234,455, Tucson = $272,793), job availability (5 vs 137 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Nogales vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $152,865 in Nogales and $164,698 in Tucson. The Tucson 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