Columbia vs Knoxville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,666 | $225,023▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.05 | $108.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,006 | $147,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,962 | $196,335▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,893▲ | $226,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,174▲ | $250,060 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $2,357 (1.06%). Knoxville's median is -9.59% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $173,168,Knoxville spans $102,338. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($243,087 effective) pays 0.22% more than Columbia ($242,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($317,174)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($225,023/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,087)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbia grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$186,082 (2024) → $211,660 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$151,330 (2019) → $213,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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