Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Baton Rouge, LA: $135.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Baton Rouge, LA runs $135.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $282,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Baton Rouge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $149.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $169,298 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Baton Rouge, nurse anesthetists earn a median hourly rate of $135.66, surpassing the national hourly median of $119.66. This elevated rate reflects the local demand for skilled practitioners in settings like operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and various clinics. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this competitive hourly pay can yield substantial income even with reduced hours, allowing for a flexible work-life balance. The hourly range in Baton Rouge spans from $115.02 for entry-level positions to $135.66 for more experienced nurse anesthetists, suggesting a healthy income potential for professionals at all stages of their careers. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $115.02 | $920.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118.54 | $948.31 |
| Median (P50) | $135.66 | $1085.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135.66 | $1085.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135.66 | $1085.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baton Rouge
Based on $135.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $135.66/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baton Rouge, LA can expect to earn approximately $282,163 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $162,786. With a cost-of-living index of 90.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baton Rouge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baton Rouge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,426.22 | $23,514 | $282,163 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,255.73 | $14,108 | $169,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,170.49 | $9,405 | $112,865 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Baton Rouge) | $135.66 |
| 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 Baton Rouge, LA earn a median of $282,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.36% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 23.30% above the Louisiana state average of $228,838.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $135.66/hr = $169,298/year (purchasing power: $186,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $282,163/year (purchasing power: $310,821).
CoL index: 90.78 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$80.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$128.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$135.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+76.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Baton Rouge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $100.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $106.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $95.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $115.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $92.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $128.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Baton Rouge grew 59.9% from $80.65/hr (2019) to $128.95/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $142.71/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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
Examining the financial implications, a nurse anesthetist in Baton Rouge working just three days a week can take home a significant income, totaling around $105,000 annually, versus a full-time counterpart who might earn close to $282,157 yearly. For those interested in per diem positions, the reality can be even more lucrative; locum tenens CRNAs frequently command rates between $200 and $350 per hour in premium markets and can make $1,500 to $2,500 daily on longer assignments. Hourly pay rates can vary widely depending on the employer type, including hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and CRNA-owned practices. For many, the choice between a lower hourly wage with health benefits and a higher rate without can significantly impact their overall compensation strategy. Negotiation tips specific to the Baton Rouge market might include leveraging local demand trends and emphasizing specialized skills. Understanding these dynamics can aid CRNAs in maximizing their earning potential in this vibrant LA city.
More salary data for Baton Rouge, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Baton Rouge in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Baton Rouge?
Are nurse anesthetists in Baton Rouge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Baton Rouge?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Baton Rouge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Baton Rouge. 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, 4-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