Aiken vs North Charleston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Aiken, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,827 | $245,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.57 | $118.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,606▲ | $149,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $198,516 | $219,674▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,731 | $305,341▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $316,033 | $352,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 22▲ |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and North Charleston is $19,938 (8.83%). North Charleston's median is -1.26% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $163,427,North Charleston spans $202,488. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($268,596 effective) pays 8.83% more than Aiken ($246,805 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($245,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($352,038)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $268,596)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Aiken grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$188,724 (2024) → $214,664 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$196,321 (2024) → $233,617 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Aiken or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Aiken to North Charleston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Aiken vs North Charleston?
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.
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