Norman vs Tulsa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Norman, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norman, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $224,257▲ | $223,182 |
| Hourly Rate | $107.82▲ | $107.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $137,504 | $220,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $200,556 | $220,447▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,727 | $311,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $321,412▲ | $311,602 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Norman, OK offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Norman and Tulsa is $1,075 (0.48%). Norman's median is -9.90% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norman spans $183,908,Tulsa spans $91,155. Norman 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, Norman ($252,258 effective) pays 0.84% more than Tulsa ($250,165 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($224,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($321,412)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,258)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Norman grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Norman, OK
$189,213 (2024) → $213,172 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$178,440 (2019) → $212,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norman, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Norman or Tulsa?
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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