Cookeville vs Knoxville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cookeville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,533 | $113,526▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.14 | $54.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,533▲ | $88,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,172 | $104,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,663 | $133,057▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,559 | $139,833▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Knoxville is $2,993 (2.71%). Knoxville's median is -17.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $51,026,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, Knoxville ($122,639 effective) pays 1.85% more than Cookeville ($120,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,833)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,639)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cookeville grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$94,204 (2024) → $106,847 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$96,890 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cookeville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Knoxville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cookeville 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