Charlotte vs Hickory: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Hickory, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $291,983▲ | $224,739 |
| Hourly Rate | $140.38▲ | $108.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $234,081▲ | $75,534 |
| 25th Percentile | $243,506▲ | $157,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $328,950▲ | $317,220 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,557▲ | $348,749 |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Hickory is $67,244 (29.92%). 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 Charlotte spans $117,476,Hickory spans $273,215. Hickory 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, Charlotte ($299,937 effective) pays 18.09% more than Hickory ($253,983 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Charlotte grew 43.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Hickory over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$193,950 (2019) → $277,550 (2025)
Hickory, NC
$167,850 (2021) → $213,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Hickory, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charlotte or Hickory?
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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