Flagstaff vs Phoenix: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Flagstaff, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,316 | $140,971▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.10 | $67.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,995 | $109,150▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,423 | $134,071▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,172 | $166,544▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,451 | $179,982▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 5,450▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Flagstaff and Phoenix is $7,655 (5.74%). Phoenix's median is +3.00% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flagstaff spans $54,456,Phoenix spans $70,832. Phoenix has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($136,446 effective) pays 2.68% more than Flagstaff ($132,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,971/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,982)
- ✓Larger job market (5,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,446)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Flagstaff grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Flagstaff, AZ
$112,000 (2019) → $128,870 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$112,970 (2019) → $136,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Flagstaff, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Flagstaff or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Flagstaff and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Flagstaff to Phoenix as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Flagstaff vs Phoenix?
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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