Memphis vs Oak Ridge: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Memphis, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $255,888▲ | $224,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $123.02▲ | $107.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $193,747▲ | $146,549 |
| 25th Percentile | $212,704▲ | $194,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $257,782 | $273,829▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $259,286 | $322,836▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Memphis and Oak Ridge is $31,714 (14.15%). 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 Memphis spans $65,539,Oak Ridge spans $176,287. Oak Ridge 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, Memphis ($277,599 effective) pays 13.68% more than Oak Ridge ($244,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($322,836)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Memphis grew 48.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$164,220 (2019) → $243,240 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$187,342 (2024) → $213,093 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Memphis or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Oak Ridge as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Memphis vs Oak Ridge?
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