Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $134.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Chicago, IL runs $134.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $279,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $129.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $167,827 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, Illinois, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be $134.48 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $119.66. This rate reflects a robust compensation structure, which is particularly favorable for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a CRNA working three days a week can still generate a substantial income, making this role appealing in clinical settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and pain management clinics. The hourly range for nurse anesthetists in Chicago varies widely, starting from $52.35 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $242.48 for seasoned top earners, as detailed in the official BLS projections.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52.35 | $418.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82.89 | $663.10 |
| Median (P50) | $134.48 | $1075.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197.43 | $1579.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $242.48 | $1939.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $134.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $134.48/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $279,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $161,373. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,379.09 | $23,309 | $279,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,227.45 | $13,986 | $167,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,151.63 | $9,324 | $111,885 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Chicago) | $134.48 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $279,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.38% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 15.70% above the Illinois state average of $241,751.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $134.48/hr = $167,827/year (purchasing power: $162,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $279,712/year (purchasing power: $270,006).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$88.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$127.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$134.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $87.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $105.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $105.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $114.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $109.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $127.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Chicago grew 43.8% from $88.87/hr (2019) to $127.83/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $141.47/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time nurse anesthetists in Chicago, working around 24 hours a week, can bring home an impressive annual income, often surpassing many full-time positions in other fields due to the high hourly rate. Conversely, those taking on per diem roles or locum tenens positions see potentially lucrative pay scales that often range from $200 to $350 per hour, and even daily rates that can reach between $1,500 and $2,500 for full-week commitments. The variety in hourly rates is influenced by employer types, from hospital systems to CRNA-owned practices and locum agencies, which may offer different compensation structures. While some nurse anesthetists may accept lower hourly wages for the security of health benefits, others are drawn to higher rates and the flexibility that comes with being an independent contractor. Negotiating the terms of employment, particularly in a city like Chicago, requires an understanding of the market dynamics, including considerations for travel reimbursement and additional perks that can influence overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 Chicago. 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, 5-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