Tacoma vs Walla Walla: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Tacoma, WA and Walla Walla, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tacoma, WA | Walla Walla, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $283,843▲ | $253,742 |
| Hourly Rate | $136.47▲ | $121.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $181,696▲ | $174,117 |
| 25th Percentile | $243,492▲ | $225,009 |
| 75th Percentile | $363,320▲ | $309,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $435,612▲ | $348,602 |
| Total Employed | 56▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Walla Walla.
The salary gap between Tacoma and Walla Walla is $30,101 (11.86%). Tacoma's median is +14.04% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tacoma spans $253,916,Walla Walla spans $174,485. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($264,286 effective) pays 11.86% more than Walla Walla ($236,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($283,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($435,612)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $264,286)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Walla Walla if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Tacoma grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Walla Walla over the same period.
Tacoma, WA
$266,503 (2024) → $269,813 (2025)
Walla Walla, WA
$249,774 (2024) → $241,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tacoma, WA
Walla Walla, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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