Charlotte vs Winston-Salem: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $291,983▲ | $241,203 |
| Hourly Rate | $140.38▲ | $115.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $234,081▲ | $144,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $243,506▲ | $199,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $328,950▲ | $304,973 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $351,557 | $357,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Winston-Salem is $50,780 (21.05%). 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,Winston-Salem spans $212,578. Winston-Salem 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 16.39% more than Winston-Salem ($257,696 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)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $299,937)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($357,246)
- ✓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 Winston-Salem over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$193,950 (2019) → $277,550 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$203,712 (2024) → $229,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charlotte or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Winston-Salem as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Charlotte vs Winston-Salem?
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