Cary vs Charlotte: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,546 | $291,983▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $78.14 | $140.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,150 | $234,081▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $143,806 | $243,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $200,529 | $328,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $240,341 | $351,557▲ |
| Total Employed | 44 | 910▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Charlotte is $129,437 (79.63%). Charlotte's median is +17.31% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $130,191,Charlotte spans $117,476. Cary 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, Charlotte ($299,937 effective) pays 72.72% 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 Cary if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($291,983/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($351,557)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $299,937)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Cary grew -21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.1% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Cary, NC
$197,581 (2024) → $154,511 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$193,950 (2019) → $277,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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