Phoenix vs Yuma: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,184▲ | $99,328 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.05▲ | $47.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,486▲ | $70,158 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,691▲ | $76,771 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,619▲ | $106,289 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,882▲ | $122,949 |
| Total Employed | 53,700▲ | 1,640 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuma.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Yuma is $6,856 (6.90%). 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,Yuma spans $52,791. 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, Yuma ($107,143 effective) pays 4.25% 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 Yuma if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,143)
- ✓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 25.9% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$78,390 (2019) → $100,830 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$74,930 (2019) → $94,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, 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