Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $109.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Denver, CO runs $109.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $227,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $103.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $136,778 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Denver, Colorado, is projected to reach a median of $109.60, slightly below the national median of $119.66. This figure offers insight into the earnings potential for practitioners in various settings, from hospital operating rooms to outpatient surgical centers. The lower end of the hourly range starts at $92.13, catering to entry-level professionals, while seasoned CRNAs can earn up to $118.40 hourly at the higher end. This official BLS data illustrates how the nurse anesthetist hourly rate in Colorado reflects the state’s overall cost of living and demand for skilled anesthesia providers within diverse medical environments.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92.13 | $737.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108.46 | $867.69 |
| Median (P50) | $109.60 | $876.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.91 | $879.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.40 | $947.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $109.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $109.60/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $227,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $131,517. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,383.89 | $18,997 | $227,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,630.34 | $11,398 | $136,778 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,753.56 | $7,599 | $91,185 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Denver) | $109.60 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $227,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.41% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 12.80% below the Colorado state average of $261,432.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $109.60/hr = $136,778/year (purchasing power: $129,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $227,963/year (purchasing power: $215,502).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$88.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$104.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$109.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $88.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $82.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $95.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $104.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Denver grew 17.3% from $88.85/hr (2019) to $104.18/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $115.30/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 Denver 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 Denver
Examining the part-time earning potential, a nurse anesthetist working three days a week—totaling approximately 24 hours—could expect an annual income significantly below that of their full-time counterparts, depending on their specific pay arrangements. In addition to regular roles, many CRNAs engage in per diem opportunities, often charging between $200 and $350 per hour, especially in premium markets, while full-week assignments can command daily rates of $1,500 to $2,500. Hourly compensation can differ based on the employer type, whether in hospital systems, ambulatory surgery settings, or CRNA-owned practices. Some nurse anesthetists may opt for lower hourly rates with employee benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without insurance. It’s advisable for professionals in Denver to negotiate terms that reflect local market rates and consider the full compensation package when assessing job offers.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Denver in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Denver?
Are nurse anesthetists in Denver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Denver?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Denver?
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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 Denver. 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