Apex vs Winston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Apex, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $234,305▲ | $227,379 |
| Hourly Rate | $112.65▲ | $109.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $151,576▲ | $75,975 |
| 25th Percentile | $210,278▲ | $158,284 |
| 75th Percentile | $286,997 | $288,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,979▲ | $316,883 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Apex, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston.
The salary gap between Apex and Winston is $6,926 (3.05%). Apex's median is -5.86% 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,Winston spans $240,908. Winston 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, Apex ($250,326 effective) pays 1.33% more than Winston ($247,036 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($234,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,979)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,326)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 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 10.4% growth in Winston over the same period.
Apex, NC
$197,887 (2024) → $222,723 (2025)
Winston, NC
$195,730 (2021) → $216,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Apex or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Winston?
Should I relocate from Apex to Winston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Apex vs Winston?
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