Columbia vs Memphis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbia, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,666 | $255,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.05 | $123.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,006 | $193,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,962 | $212,704▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,893▲ | $257,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $317,174▲ | $259,286 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Memphis is $33,222 (14.92%). Memphis's median is +2.81% 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,Memphis spans $65,539. 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, Memphis ($277,599 effective) pays 14.45% 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 Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,888/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $277,599)
- ✓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 48.1% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$186,082 (2024) → $211,660 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$164,220 (2019) → $243,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbia or Memphis?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Memphis 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