Scottsdale vs Tucson: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Scottsdale, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Scottsdale, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $258,362 | $268,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $124.21 | $129.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $161,637 | $164,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $218,558 | $224,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $330,703 | $343,018▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $381,965 | $402,126▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 137▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsdale.
The salary gap between Scottsdale and Tucson is $10,339 (4.00%). 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 Scottsdale spans $220,328,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 4.00% more than Scottsdale ($262,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Scottsdale, AZ
$217,990 (2024) → $245,591 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$226,713 (2024) → $255,419 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Scottsdale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Scottsdale or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Scottsdale and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Scottsdale to Tucson as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Scottsdale 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