Nashville vs Knoxville: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $343,638 | $381,667▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $165.21 | $183.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,802 | $221,368▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $242,753 | $274,801▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $446,508 | $488,534▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $462,266 | $569,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 35 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Knoxville is $38,029 (11.07%). Knoxville's median is -6.71% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $390,464,Knoxville spans $347,876. Nashville 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, Knoxville ($415,759 effective) pays 16.56% more than Nashville ($356,700 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 (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($381,667/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($569,244)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $415,759)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Nashville grew 45.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$226,470 (2022) → $328,840 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$335,854 (2024) → $365,232 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Nashville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Knoxville as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Nashville vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov