Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $113.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Little Rock, AR runs $113.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $235,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $126.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $141,570 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at $113.44, which is slightly below the national median of $119.66 per hour. This figure offers significant insights for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers who might serve in various settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics specializing in dental anesthesia. The hourly range for the role extends from $65.09 for entry-level positions to $151.77 for top earners in the region. The official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that such flexibility in scheduling can be advantageous. For those working three days per week, this hourly wage allows for a stable income while still accommodating personal commitments, especially in sectors that increasingly favor nurse anesthetists in independent practice.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65.09 | $520.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.18 | $585.42 |
| Median (P50) | $113.44 | $907.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151.77 | $1214.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151.77 | $1214.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $113.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $113.44/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $235,949 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $136,125. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,537.49 | $19,662 | $235,949 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,722.49 | $11,797 | $141,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,814.99 | $7,865 | $94,380 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Little Rock) | $113.44 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $235,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.20% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 9.10% above the Arkansas state average of $216,263.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $113.44/hr = $141,570/year (purchasing power: $158,419).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $235,949/year (purchasing power: $264,032).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$68.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$107.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$113.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+74.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $74.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $81.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $86.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $89.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $107.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Little Rock grew 57.2% from $68.58/hr (2019) to $107.83/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $119.34/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Considering the earnings potential for part-time nurse anesthetists working 24 hours a week, they could feasibly take home approximately $88,597 annually, which significantly contrasts with the full-time income. While this represents a notable salary, some professionals opt for per diem opportunities that can yield higher financial rewards. Locum tenens CRNAs, for instance, can bill between $200 and $350 per hour in premium markets, with daily rates for full-week assignments ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. Within Little Rock, the type of employer can also affect hourly pay, with nurse anesthetists employed by hospital systems typically receiving benefits, albeit at a lower hourly rate. Alternatively, those in CRNA-owned practices may find themselves in partnership tracks, while agency roles can offer rates that reflect the lack of benefits. Most importantly, it's crucial for professionals to understand their market value and be prepared to negotiate effectively based on their specific circumstances and whether they prioritize hourly pay over benefits.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Little Rock?
Are nurse anesthetists in Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Little Rock?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Little Rock?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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