Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Asheville vs Leland: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Asheville, NC and Leland, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Asheville, NC
$235,259
$113.10/hr
Leland, NC
$216,119
$103.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAsheville, NCLeland, NC
Median Salary$235,259$216,119
Hourly Rate$113.10$103.91
Entry Level (P10)$130,553$156,446
25th Percentile$130,553$197,162
75th Percentile$235,259$266,513
Top Earner (P90)$304,428$292,020
Total Employed1506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Asheville ($235,259) and Leland ($216,119) nurse anesthetist salaries.AshevilleLelandMedian Salary$235,259$216,119Entry Level (P10)$130,553$156,446Top Earner (P90)$304,428$292,020US Median $248,893

Verdict

Asheville, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Leland.

The salary gap between Asheville and Leland is $19,140 (8.86%). 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,Leland spans $135,574. Asheville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Asheville
P10 (Entry)$130,553
P25$130,553
Median$235,259
P75$235,259
P90 (Top)$304,428
Leland
P10 (Entry)$156,446
P25$197,162
Median$216,119
P75$266,513
P90 (Top)$292,020

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Asheville ($243,777 effective) pays 5.58% more than Leland ($230,896 effective).

Asheville
Nominal: $235,259
CoL Index: 96.506
Adjusted: $243,777
Leland
Nominal: $216,119
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $230,896

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 Leland 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 12.6% growth in Leland over the same period.

Asheville, NC

+45.2%

$153,990 (2020) → $223,630 (2025)

Leland, NC

+12.6%

$182,527 (2024) → $205,436 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Asheville or Leland?

Asheville has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $235,259/year, compared to Leland at $216,119/year — a difference of $19,140 (8.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Leland?

Asheville nurse anesthetists earn $113.10/hr while Leland hygienists earn $103.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Asheville to Leland as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Asheville and Leland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Asheville = $243,777, Leland = $230,896), job availability (150 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Asheville vs Leland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $130,553 in Asheville and $156,446 in Leland. The Leland area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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