Chapel Hill vs Charlotte: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $232,333 | $291,983▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $111.70 | $140.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $147,119 | $234,081▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $197,267 | $243,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $287,281 | $328,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $343,484 | $351,557▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 910▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Charlotte is $59,650 (25.67%). 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 Chapel Hill spans $196,365,Charlotte spans $117,476. Chapel Hill 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 20.84% more than Chapel Hill ($248,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill grew 12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.1% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$196,221 (2024) → $220,849 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$193,950 (2019) → $277,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Chapel Hill or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chapel Hill and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Charlotte as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Chapel Hill vs Charlotte?
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