Chandler vs Tucson: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chandler, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,958▲ | $133,802 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.25▲ | $64.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,159 | $107,650▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,902▲ | $117,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,167▲ | $155,516 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,730▲ | $179,248 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Chandler and Tucson is $8,156 (6.10%). Chandler's median is +3.72% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $92,571,Tucson spans $71,598. Chandler 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, Chandler ($144,120 effective) pays 4.37% more than Tucson ($138,088 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chandler if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,958/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,730)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,120)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chandler grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Chandler, AZ
$132,815 (2024) → $137,224 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$115,950 (2019) → $129,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chandler, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chandler or Tucson?
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Should I relocate from Chandler to Tucson as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chandler vs Tucson?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov