Charleston vs North Charleston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $240,634 | $245,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.69 | $118.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $175,800▲ | $149,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $235,585▲ | $219,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $303,386 | $305,341▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $434,918▲ | $352,038 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $5,131 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is -1.26% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $259,118,North Charleston spans $202,488. Charleston 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, North Charleston ($268,596 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($238,341 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($434,918)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($245,765/year)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $268,596)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Charleston grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$159,380 (2019) → $228,740 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$196,321 (2024) → $233,617 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charleston or North Charleston?
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Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a nurse anesthetist?
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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