Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,499▲ | $113,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.93▲ | $54.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,809▲ | $88,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,729▲ | $104,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,054 | $133,057▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,968 | $139,833▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,000 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga and Knoxville are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $6,973 (6.14%). Chattanooga's median is -11.96% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $37,159,Knoxville spans $51,683. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($131,745 effective) pays 7.42% more than Knoxville ($122,639 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,499/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,745)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,833)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chattanooga grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$101,790 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$96,890 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov