Asheville vs Winston-Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Asheville, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Asheville, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,259 | $241,203▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $113.10 | $115.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,553 | $144,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,553 | $199,252▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $235,259 | $304,973▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $304,428 | $357,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Asheville.
The salary gap between Asheville and Winston-Salem is $5,944 (2.53%). Winston-Salem's median is -3.09% 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,Winston-Salem spans $212,578. Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem ($257,696 effective) pays 5.71% 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 Asheville if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($241,203/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($357,246)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,696)
- ✓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 Winston-Salem over the same period.
Asheville, NC
$153,990 (2020) → $223,630 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$203,712 (2024) → $229,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Asheville, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Asheville or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Asheville and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Asheville to Winston-Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Asheville vs Winston-Salem?
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