Phoenix vs Flagstaff: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Flagstaff, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Flagstaff, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,184▲ | $106,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.05▲ | $51.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,486 | $82,089▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,691▲ | $82,089 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,619 | $126,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,882▲ | $126,435 |
| Total Employed | 53,700▲ | 1,570 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Flagstaff.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Flagstaff is $53 (0.05%). Phoenix's median is +3.36% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $63,396,Flagstaff spans $44,346. Phoenix 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, Flagstaff ($105,787 effective) pays 2.93% more than Phoenix ($102,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,184/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,882)
- ✓Larger job market (53,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Flagstaff if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,787)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Phoenix grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Flagstaff over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$78,390 (2019) → $100,830 (2025)
Flagstaff, AZ
$95,570 (2023) → $100,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov