Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Clemson vs North Charleston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Clemson, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clemson, SC
$209,714
$100.82/hr
North Charleston, SC
$245,765
$118.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClemson, SCNorth Charleston, SC
Median Salary$209,714$245,765
Hourly Rate$100.82$118.16
Entry Level (P10)$147,954$149,550
25th Percentile$189,180$219,674
75th Percentile$256,605$305,341
Top Earner (P90)$287,310$352,038
Total Employed622
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clemson ($209,714) and North Charleston ($245,765) nurse anesthetist salaries.ClemsonNorth CharlestonMedian Salary$209,714$245,765Entry Level (P10)$147,954$149,550Top Earner (P90)$287,310$352,038US Median $248,893

Verdict

North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.

The salary gap between Clemson and North Charleston is $36,051 (17.19%). 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 Clemson spans $139,356,North Charleston spans $202,488. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Clemson
P10 (Entry)$147,954
P25$189,180
Median$209,714
P75$256,605
P90 (Top)$287,310
North Charleston
P10 (Entry)$149,550
P25$219,674
Median$245,765
P75$305,341
P90 (Top)$352,038

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($268,596 effective) pays 17.19% more than Clemson ($229,196 effective).

Clemson
Nominal: $209,714
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $229,196
North Charleston
Nominal: $245,765
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $268,596

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clemson if…

  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose North Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($245,765/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($352,038)
  • 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 Clemson grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in North Charleston over the same period.

Clemson, SC

+13.7%

$175,258 (2024) → $199,348 (2025)

North Charleston, SC

+19.0%

$196,321 (2024) → $233,617 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Clemson or North Charleston?

North Charleston has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $245,765/year, compared to Clemson at $209,714/year — a difference of $36,051 (17.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clemson and North Charleston?

Clemson nurse anesthetists earn $100.82/hr while North Charleston hygienists earn $118.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clemson to North Charleston as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clemson and North Charleston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clemson = $229,196, North Charleston = $268,596), job availability (6 vs 22 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Clemson vs North Charleston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $147,954 in Clemson and $149,550 in North Charleston. The North Charleston area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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