Nashville vs Chattanooga: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Nashville, TN and Chattanooga, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,445 | $231,830▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.95 | $111.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $160,083▲ | $142,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $202,941▲ | $193,865 |
| 75th Percentile | $225,444 | $296,743▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,177 | $347,818▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 36 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Chattanooga is $9,385 (4.22%). Chattanooga's median is -6.86% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $158,094,Chattanooga spans $205,264. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga ($252,538 effective) pays 9.37% 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 Nashville if…
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($231,830/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($347,818)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $252,538)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Nashville grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.0% growth in Chattanooga over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$154,990 (2019) → $211,450 (2025)
Chattanooga, TN
$150,910 (2019) → $220,371 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Nashville or Chattanooga?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Chattanooga?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Chattanooga as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Nashville vs Chattanooga?
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