Knoxville vs Smyrna: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,526 | $117,584▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.58 | $56.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,150 | $89,745▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,712▲ | $103,743 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,057 | $140,337▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,833 | $151,040▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,630▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Smyrna, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $4,058 (3.57%). Smyrna's median is -14.09% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $51,683,Smyrna spans $61,295. Smyrna 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, Smyrna ($128,087 effective) pays 4.44% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,584/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,040)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,087)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Knoxville grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$96,890 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$100,214 (2024) → $113,663 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
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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