Charlotte vs Wake Forest: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $291,983▲ | $229,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $140.38▲ | $110.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $234,081▲ | $159,072 |
| 25th Percentile | $243,506▲ | $200,134 |
| 75th Percentile | $328,950▲ | $289,033 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,557▲ | $333,505 |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wake Forest is $62,526 (27.25%). 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,Wake Forest spans $174,433. Wake Forest 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 22.35% more than Wake Forest ($245,146 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 Wake Forest 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 12.6% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$193,950 (2019) → $277,550 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$193,793 (2024) → $218,115 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charlotte or Wake Forest?
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Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wake Forest as a nurse anesthetist?
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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