Columbia vs Nashville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbia, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,368 | $126,540▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.51 | $60.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,150 | $87,208▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,304 | $108,860▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,328 | $139,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,663▲ | $144,561 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 4,540▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Nashville is $13,172 (11.62%). 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 Columbia spans $62,513,Nashville spans $57,353. Columbia 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, Nashville ($131,350 effective) pays 6.36% more than Columbia ($123,495 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,663)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,540/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,350)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbia grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$96,620 (2024) → $109,587 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$95,250 (2019) → $122,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbia or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Nashville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbia 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