Nashville vs Oak Ridge: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Nashville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,445 | $224,174▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.95 | $107.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $160,083▲ | $146,549 |
| 25th Percentile | $202,941▲ | $194,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $225,444 | $273,829▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,177 | $322,836▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Oak Ridge, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Oak Ridge is $1,729 (0.78%). Oak Ridge's median is -9.93% 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,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, Oak Ridge ($244,198 effective) pays 5.76% 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 Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($224,174/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($322,836)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $244,198)
- ✓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 13.7% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$154,990 (2019) → $211,450 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$187,342 (2024) → $213,093 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Nashville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Oak Ridge as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Nashville 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