Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Asheville vs Pinehurst: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

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

Asheville, NC
$235,259
$113.10/hr
Pinehurst, NC
$215,716
$103.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAsheville, NCPinehurst, NC
Median Salary$235,259$215,716
Hourly Rate$113.10$103.71
Entry Level (P10)$130,553$154,539
25th Percentile$130,553$196,303
75th Percentile$235,259$260,977
Top Earner (P90)$304,428$290,730
Total Employed1504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Asheville ($235,259) and Pinehurst ($215,716) nurse anesthetist salaries.AshevillePinehurstMedian Salary$235,259$215,716Entry Level (P10)$130,553$154,539Top Earner (P90)$304,428$290,730US Median $248,893

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Asheville and Pinehurst is $19,543 (9.06%). 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,Pinehurst spans $136,191. 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
Pinehurst
P10 (Entry)$154,539
P25$196,303
Median$215,716
P75$260,977
P90 (Top)$290,730

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Asheville ($243,777 effective) pays 5.78% more than Pinehurst ($230,466 effective).

Asheville
Nominal: $235,259
CoL Index: 96.506
Adjusted: $243,777
Pinehurst
Nominal: $215,716
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $230,466

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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst over the same period.

Asheville, NC

+45.2%

$153,990 (2020) → $223,630 (2025)

Pinehurst, NC

+12.6%

$182,187 (2024) → $205,053 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Asheville or Pinehurst?

Asheville has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $235,259/year, compared to Pinehurst at $215,716/year — a difference of $19,543 (9.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Pinehurst?

Asheville nurse anesthetists earn $113.10/hr while Pinehurst hygienists earn $103.71/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Asheville and Pinehurst. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Asheville = $243,777, Pinehurst = $230,466), job availability (150 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $130,553 in Asheville and $154,539 in Pinehurst. The Pinehurst area offers higher starting salaries.

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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