Johnson City vs Knoxville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $230,134▲ | $225,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $110.64▲ | $108.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,112▲ | $147,722 |
| 25th Percentile | $197,897▲ | $196,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $287,058▲ | $226,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,776▲ | $250,060 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Johnson City, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $5,111 (2.27%). Johnson City's median is -7.54% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $181,664,Knoxville spans $102,338. Johnson City 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, Johnson City ($250,691 effective) pays 3.13% more than Knoxville ($243,087 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($230,134/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,776)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,691)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Johnson City grew 23.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$176,790 (2022) → $218,759 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$151,330 (2019) → $213,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
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