Knoxville vs Nashville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $225,023▲ | $222,445 |
| Hourly Rate | $108.19▲ | $106.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $147,722 | $160,083▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $196,335 | $202,941▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $226,811▲ | $225,444 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $250,060 | $318,177▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville and Nashville are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Nashville is $2,578 (1.16%). 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 Knoxville spans $102,338,Nashville spans $158,094. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($243,087 effective) pays 5.28% more than Nashville ($230,901 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($225,023/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $243,087)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($318,177)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓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 36.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$151,330 (2019) → $213,900 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$154,990 (2019) → $211,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Knoxville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Nashville as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Knoxville vs Nashville?
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