Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $129.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Tucson, AZ runs $129.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $268,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $131.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $161,224 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tucson, Arizona, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be $129.19 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $119.66. This competitive rate provides substantial opportunities for those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, which can yield a solid income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem roles, often found in main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or dental anesthesia clinics, allow these professionals to take on shifts as needed, enhancing work-life balance. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can expect to earn approximately $79.18 per hour, whereas experienced practitioners can earn up to $193.33, underscoring a substantial disparity based on experience within the Tucson area.
About the Tucson Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79.18 | $633.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108.02 | $864.15 |
| Median (P50) | $129.19 | $1033.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164.91 | $1319.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193.33 | $1546.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $129.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $129.19/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $268,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $155,023. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,167.42 | $22,392 | $268,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,100.45 | $13,435 | $161,224 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,066.97 | $8,957 | $107,482 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Tucson) | $129.19 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.12 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $60.58 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.01 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $174.04 |
Nurse Anesthetists in Tucson, AZ earn a median of $268,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.96% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 9.60% above the Arizona state average of $245,165.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $129.19/hr = $161,224/year (purchasing power: $163,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $268,706/year (purchasing power: $272,798).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$90.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$122.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$129.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $95.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $101.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $105.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $110.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $109.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $122.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Tucson grew 35.4% from $90.72/hr (2019) to $122.80/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $135.90/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse anesthetists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Anesthetist in Tucson
The earning potential for a part-time nurse anesthetist, specifically one working a 24-hour week, can lead to an annual income significantly below that of full-time professionals. However, the allure of flexible scheduling can outweigh this drawback for many. For those pursuing per diem work, the landscape becomes more lucrative, as locum tenens CRNAs can command hourly rates ranging from $200 to $350 in premium markets, with full-week assignments netting daily earnings between $1,500 and $2,500. Tucson's various employers present a diverse range of hourly rates; for instance, hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment with benefits, while more autonomous settings like CRNA-owned practices may present opportunities for higher hourly compensation without benefits. The trade-off here involves a careful consideration of health insurance and other factors. When negotiating hourly pay, CRNAs should be prepared to discuss their unique skills and contributions within the context of Tucson's healthcare environment, considering the competitive landscape shaped by different employer types and the evolving practice models, including the expanding CRNA-owned group model.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse anesthetists in Tucson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tucson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov