Knoxville vs Memphis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,023 | $255,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.19 | $123.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $147,722 | $193,747▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $196,335 | $212,704▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $226,811 | $257,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $250,060 | $259,286▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Memphis is $30,865 (13.72%). 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 Knoxville spans $102,338,Memphis spans $65,539. Knoxville 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 14.20% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($259,286)
- ✓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 Knoxville grew 41.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$151,330 (2019) → $213,900 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$164,220 (2019) → $243,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Knoxville or Memphis?
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Should I relocate from Knoxville to Memphis as a nurse anesthetist?
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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