Columbia vs North Charleston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $285,460▲ | $245,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $137.24▲ | $118.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,128▲ | $149,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $235,985▲ | $219,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $302,639 | $305,341▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $350,348 | $352,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $39,695 (16.15%). Columbia's median is +14.69% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $125,220,North Charleston spans $202,488. North Charleston 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, Columbia ($304,777 effective) pays 13.47% more than North Charleston ($268,596 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($285,460/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $304,777)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($352,038)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbia grew 51.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$179,550 (2019) → $271,350 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$196,321 (2024) → $233,617 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbia or North Charleston?
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Should I relocate from Columbia 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