Phoenix vs Tucson: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $249,534 | $268,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $119.97 | $129.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $240,266▲ | $164,698 |
| 25th Percentile | $240,266▲ | $224,686 |
| 75th Percentile | $330,307 | $343,018▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $330,317 | $402,126▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 137 |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tucson is $19,167 (7.68%). 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 Phoenix spans $90,051,Tucson spans $237,428. Tucson 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, Tucson ($272,793 effective) pays 12.95% 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 Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($268,701/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($402,126)
- ✓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 Phoenix grew 55.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$152,640 (2019) → $237,200 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$226,713 (2024) → $255,419 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Phoenix or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Tucson as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Phoenix vs Tucson?
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