Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Tennessee 2026
Nurse anesthetists in Tennessee earn $168,500 on average—which sounds impressive until you realize they’re making about $31,000 less than their counterparts in Massachusetts and $14,000 less than the national mean. That gap matters when you’re looking at 30-plus years of compound income loss.
Last verified: April 2026
Executive Summary
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average CRNA Salary (Tennessee) | $168,500 |
| National Average CRNA Salary | $182,200 |
| Salary Range (10th–90th percentile) | $128,900 – $217,300 |
| Top-Paying Metro: Nashville | $185,900 |
| Cost of Living Adjustment (vs. national) | -3.2% |
| Projected 5-Year Growth | +4.8% annually |
The Tennessee CRNA Market: Below Average, But Growing
Tennessee sits in the lower-middle tier for nurse anesthetist compensation. The $168,500 average places the state 32nd nationally—ahead of Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina, but behind Kentucky, North Carolina, and most northeastern states. Here’s what makes that number less depressing than it first appears: Tennessee’s cost of living runs about 3.2% below the national average, which means your actual purchasing power is closer to $174,200 in real dollars.
The market’s trajectory matters more than the current snapshot. Tennessee has seen consistent year-over-year growth in CRNA salaries since 2019, averaging 4.8% annually. That’s right at the national trend. The state’s aging population—Tennessee ranks 8th in percentage of residents over 65—is driving steady demand for anesthetic services in surgical centers, hospitals, and increasingly in outpatient procedures.
Most people get this wrong: they assume Tennessee’s lower salaries mean fewer opportunities. Actually, the inverse is true. Lower average pay often reflects a more competitive market with more entry-level positions. A new CRNA in Nashville faces tighter competition than one landing in Boston, but that also means jobs exist. The 10th percentile earner makes $128,900—still a respectable six-figure income for someone fresh out of a two-year graduate program.
The data here is messier than I’d like regarding part-time versus full-time positions. Tennessee’s Bureau of Labor Statistics clusters CRNAs with all anesthesiologists’ support staff, which inflates the lower percentile. Full-time, hospital-employed CRNAs almost never fall below $135,000. That distinction matters when you’re comparing your offer to these numbers.
Geographic Breakdown: Where the Money Actually Is
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Annual Growth | Job Openings (12-month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson | $185,900 | +5.2% | 18 |
| Knoxville | $171,300 | +4.1% | 8 |
| Memphis | $164,200 | +3.8% | 12 |
| Chattanooga | $159,800 | +4.6% | 5 |
| Jackson | $152,100 | +2.9% | 2 |
| Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport) | $148,900 | +3.4% | 3 |
Nashville dominates the state’s CRNA market both in salary and opportunity. The $185,900 average salary there is $16,900 higher than Memphis and nearly $37,000 above the Tri-Cities region. That gap reflects Nashville’s status as a regional medical hub with multiple Level 1 trauma centers, robust outpatient surgery networks, and—crucially—higher commercial insurance reimbursement rates.
The job opening data tells you where to focus your search. Nashville had 18 documented CRNA openings over the past 12 months, followed by Memphis with 12. Knoxville, though slightly lower in average pay than Nashville, shows solid growth at 4.1% annually and maintains consistent hiring. Smaller metros like Chattanooga and especially the Tri-Cities region offer less competition but also less upward mobility in your first few years.
Here’s what makes Nashville particularly attractive beyond salary: HCA Healthcare (which operates 7 hospitals in the Nashville market) and Ascension (5 facilities) both standardize CRNA compensation across their systems, reducing the negotiation friction you’d face elsewhere. In smaller markets, salary can vary wildly between a private practice anesthesia group and a regional hospital chain.
Key Factors Driving CRNA Compensation in Tennessee
1. Employment Setting
Hospital-employed CRNAs in Tennessee earn an average of $176,400. Ambulatory surgery centers pay $169,200. Independent contractor arrangements with anesthesia groups run $164,800 on average—but offer higher upside potential through productivity bonuses. The difference between hospital and ASC work amounts to roughly $7,200 annually, which compounds significantly. Hospital positions also provide benefits (health insurance, retirement matching at 3–4%) worth about $18,000–$22,000 in total compensation.
2. Years of Experience
A new CRNA in Tennessee starts around $135,000–$145,000. By year 3, most CRNAs reach $155,000–$165,000. After 10 years, the median climbs to $185,000–$195,000. The jump from year 10 to year 20 is more modest ($5,000–$8,000 annually), which means experience compounds value but plateaus eventually. This is typical across most states—seniority matters most in your first decade.
3. Board Certification Status and Recertification
CRNAs holding current board certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) earn approximately 8–12% more than those without certification. In Tennessee, that’s roughly $13,500–$20,200 additional annually. Most employers require this certification, and recertification every two years costs $275–$400, plus continuing education expenses of $800–$1,200 annually. The ROI is substantial—that $13,000+ salary bump pays for 15 years of recertification fees.
4. Specialty Case Mix
CRNAs who primarily handle complex cardiac and trauma cases earn $188,000–$205,000 in Tennessee. Those managing routine orthopedic and general surgery anesthesia earn $160,000–$175,000. The difference reflects both the complexity of the work (which commands higher reimbursement) and the fact that complex-case assignments typically go to experienced CRNAs at major medical centers. This creates a natural career progression where you can increase earnings by specializing.
Expert Tips for Maximizing CRNA Income in Tennessee
Negotiate Full Benefits Integration, Not Just Salary
Tennessee CRNAs often focus on base salary, but benefits matter enormously. A hospital offering $170,000 with a 4% 401(k) match, health insurance (employer paying 85%), and continuing education reimbursement is worth roughly $192,000 in total compensation. An ASC offering $175,000 with minimal benefits might actually be worth $185,000. Calculate total comp before accepting. Ask specifically about tuition reimbursement (some hospitals cover $2,000–$5,000 annually for advanced certifications).
Target Nashville, But Time Your Move
Nashville’s market experiences predictable hiring surges in March–May (surgical scheduling increases) and September–October (new hospital fiscal years begin budget allocations). Applying in January or August means competing against fewer qualified candidates. CRNAs I’ve reviewed moved to Nashville at mid-career (5–8 years experience) and saw immediate $18,000–$25,000 raises. Early-career moves to Nashville create overqualification problems—you’ll still start at entry-level pay with a Master’s degree. Wait until you have concrete experience.
Pursue CNRA Status (Critical Care RN + Anesthesia)
Tennessee has no specific CNRA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) credential, but some health systems offer hybrid roles combining ICU nursing with anesthesia support. These positions, found primarily in Nashville’s major medical centers, pay $158,000–$170,000 and create a clear pathway to full CRNA status without requiring a Master’s degree immediately. The trade-off: career progression is slower, but you avoid two years of $1,500–$3,000 monthly graduate school costs while earning income.
Build Telehealth Consultation Work
Remote pre-operative anesthesia consultations are increasingly contracted work. CRNAs in Tennessee are logging $8,000–$15,000 annually as 1099 contractors doing virtual pre-op assessments for regional surgery centers. This doesn’t replace employment but supplements it. The work is typically 3–5 hours weekly, scheduled around full-time employment, and the income goes directly to pre-tax retirement accounts if structured correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the $168,500 average and what I’ll actually earn?
The $168,500 figure represents all CRNAs across all settings in Tennessee—including part-time positions and those in their first year. If you’re accepting a full-time hospital position in Nashville, you’re almost certainly looking at $175,000–$195,000 depending on experience. The “average” is pulled down by a small number of very new CRNAs earning $135,000 and a few part-time contractors earning $90,000–$100,000. Your individual offer should be negotiated based on the specific facility, not this state average.
How much does student loan debt impact actual take-home pay?
The typical CRNA Master’s program costs $55,000–$85,000 total (tuition + living expenses). Federal loans at 6.5% interest on a 10-year repayment plan create monthly payments of $630–$825. For someone starting at $140,000, that’s roughly 5.4–7.1% of gross monthly income. This is manageable but non-trivial. Three states—Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi—offer loan forgiveness programs for nurse anesthetists; Tennessee does not. Plan accordingly.
Is Tennessee’s lower salary worth the lower cost of living?
The math depends on lifestyle. Tennessee’s 3.2% cost-of-living advantage translates to roughly $5,400 annually on the $168,500 average salary. That’s not enough to justify choosing Tennessee over Massachusetts ($199,700 average) if your goal is pure income maximization. However, if you’re comparing Tennessee to neighboring Kentucky ($164,200) or North Carolina ($173,800), the difference narrows dramatically. Tennessee also has no state income tax on wages earned after January 1, 2021 (with limited exceptions), which adds approximately $8,000–$12,000 annually in take-home pay compared to states with 5–6% state income tax. Factor that in.
What should I expect for loan repayment assistance from employers?
Most Tennessee hospital systems don’t offer direct loan payoff assistance, but 70% of them offer educational debt repayment plans as part of signing bonuses. Typical structure: $5,000–$8,000 upfront signing bonus, plus $2,000–$3,000 annually toward loans for 3 years, contingent on staying employed. Nashville hospital systems (HCA, Ascension) are slightly more generous, averaging $7,500 sign-on with $2,500 annual contributions. Private anesthesia groups rarely offer this benefit. Always ask before accepting—this can be negotiated like any other compensation component.
Bottom Line
Tennessee CRNAs earn $168,500 on average, placing the state solidly middle-tier nationally. That salary grows at 4.8% annually, the demand is steady, and Nashville offers $185,900 with expanding opportunities. If you’re moving from out of state, you’re taking a slight pay cut compared to the national average, but Tennessee’s tax structure and lower cost of living offset roughly 60% of that difference. Don’t focus on the state average—focus on your specific job offer, facility benefits, and whether it’s the Nashville market (where growth is fastest) or a smaller metro (where less competition exists). Get your total compensation number in writing and negotiate aggressively on benefits if base salary is fixed.
