Hickory vs Winston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Hickory, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $224,739 | $227,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.05 | $109.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,534 | $75,975▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $157,348 | $158,284▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $317,220▲ | $288,080 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $348,749▲ | $316,883 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Winston is $2,640 (1.17%). Winston's median is -8.64% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $273,215,Winston spans $240,908. Hickory 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, Hickory ($253,983 effective) pays 2.81% more than Winston ($247,036 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($348,749)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $253,983)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($227,379/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Hickory grew 27.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Winston over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$167,850 (2021) → $213,630 (2025)
Winston, NC
$195,730 (2021) → $216,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Hickory or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hickory and Winston?
Should I relocate from Hickory to Winston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Hickory vs Winston?
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