Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Tacoma vs Wenatchee: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Tacoma, WA and Wenatchee, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Tacoma, WA
$283,843
$136.47/hr
Wenatchee, WA
$253,452
$121.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTacoma, WAWenatchee, WA
Median Salary$283,843$253,452
Hourly Rate$136.47$121.85
Entry Level (P10)$181,696$173,449
25th Percentile$243,492$224,405
75th Percentile$363,320$314,768
Top Earner (P90)$435,612$347,652
Total Employed568
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Tacoma ($283,843) and Wenatchee ($253,452) nurse anesthetist salaries.TacomaWenatcheeMedian Salary$283,843$253,452Entry Level (P10)$181,696$173,449Top Earner (P90)$435,612$347,652US Median $248,893

Verdict

Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wenatchee.

The salary gap between Tacoma and Wenatchee is $30,391 (11.99%). 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,Wenatchee spans $174,203. Tacoma has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Tacoma
P10 (Entry)$181,696
P25$243,492
Median$283,843
P75$363,320
P90 (Top)$435,612
Wenatchee
P10 (Entry)$173,449
P25$224,405
Median$253,452
P75$314,768
P90 (Top)$347,652

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tacoma ($264,286 effective) pays 11.99% more than Wenatchee ($235,989 effective).

Tacoma
Nominal: $283,843
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $264,286
Wenatchee
Nominal: $253,452
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $235,989

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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee over the same period.

Tacoma, WA

+1.2%

$266,503 (2024) → $269,813 (2025)

Wenatchee, WA

+-3.4%

$249,488 (2024) → $240,924 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Tacoma or Wenatchee?

Tacoma has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $283,843/year, compared to Wenatchee at $253,452/year — a difference of $30,391 (11.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Tacoma and Wenatchee?

Tacoma nurse anesthetists earn $136.47/hr while Wenatchee hygienists earn $121.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Tacoma to Wenatchee as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Tacoma and Wenatchee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Tacoma = $264,286, Wenatchee = $235,989), job availability (56 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Tacoma vs Wenatchee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $181,696 in Tacoma and $173,449 in Wenatchee. The Tacoma area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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