Bristol vs Charlottesville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bristol, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $246,999 | $254,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $118.75 | $122.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $172,544 | $197,492▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $220,784 | $254,016▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $300,686 | $326,751▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $334,712▲ | $326,751 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Charlottesville is $7,017 (2.84%). Charlottesville's median is +2.06% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $162,168,Charlottesville spans $129,259. Bristol 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, Charlottesville ($256,204 effective) pays 7.05% more than Bristol ($239,340 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($334,712)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($254,016/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $256,204)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bristol grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$213,364 (2024) → $234,790 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$227,860 (2022) → $241,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bristol or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Charlottesville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bristol vs Charlottesville?
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