Apex vs Asheville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Apex, NC and Asheville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Asheville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,305 | $235,259▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $112.65 | $113.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,576▲ | $130,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $210,278▲ | $130,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $286,997▲ | $235,259 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,979▲ | $304,428 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Asheville, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.
The salary gap between Apex and Asheville is $954 (0.41%). Asheville's median is -5.48% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $175,403,Asheville spans $173,875. Apex 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, Apex ($250,326 effective) pays 2.69% more than Asheville ($243,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,979)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,326)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,259/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Apex grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.2% growth in Asheville over the same period.
Apex, NC
$197,887 (2024) → $222,723 (2025)
Asheville, NC
$153,990 (2020) → $223,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Apex or Asheville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Asheville?
Should I relocate from Apex to Asheville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Apex vs Asheville?
Related Comparisons
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