Seattle vs Tacoma: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $288,658▲ | $283,843 |
| Hourly Rate | $138.78▲ | $136.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $238,194▲ | $181,696 |
| 25th Percentile | $240,203 | $243,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $314,832 | $363,320▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $407,366 | $435,612▲ |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $4,815 (1.70%). Seattle's median is +15.98% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $169,172,Tacoma spans $253,916. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($264,286 effective) pays 1.75% more than Seattle ($259,741 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($288,658/year)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($435,612)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $264,286)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Seattle grew 45.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$189,100 (2019) → $274,390 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$266,503 (2024) → $269,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
Related Comparisons
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