Chattanooga vs Nashville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,499 | $126,540▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.93 | $60.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,809▲ | $87,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,729 | $108,860▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,054 | $139,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,968 | $144,561▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,000 | 4,540▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Nashville is $6,041 (5.01%). Nashville's median is -7.54% 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,Nashville spans $57,353. Nashville 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 0.30% more than Nashville ($131,350 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,745)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,540/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,561)
- ✓Larger job market (4,540 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 28.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$101,790 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$95,250 (2019) → $122,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chattanooga or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Nashville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chattanooga vs Nashville?
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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