Asheville vs Cary: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Asheville, NC and Cary, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,259▲ | $162,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.10▲ | $78.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,553▲ | $110,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,553 | $143,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $235,259▲ | $200,529 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $304,428▲ | $240,341 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Asheville, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Asheville and Cary is $72,713 (44.73%). 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 Asheville spans $173,875,Cary spans $130,191. Asheville 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, Asheville ($243,777 effective) pays 40.38% more than Cary ($173,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Asheville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($304,428)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,777)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Cary if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Asheville grew 45.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -21.8% growth in Cary over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$153,990 (2020) → $223,630 (2025)
Cary, NC
$197,581 (2024) → $154,511 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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