Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $126.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Bethesda, MD runs $126.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $262,759 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $115.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $157,653 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse anesthetists in Bethesda, Maryland, earn a median hourly rate of $126.32, surpassing the national hourly median of $119.66. This competitive rate reflects not only their advanced clinical skills but also the costs associated with living in the area, where the cost of living index stands at 109.3. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to significant income potential; a CRNA working three days a week would earn approximately $107,450 annually, allowing for a flexible schedule while maintaining a robust income. The hourly earnings range from $82.97 for entry-level positions to $183.10 for experienced practitioners in top-tier roles. Settings vary from main operating rooms to outpatient facilities, expanding opportunities for CRNAs across various specialties, such as chronic pain management and dental anesthesia clinics.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82.97 | $663.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109.88 | $879.05 |
| Median (P50) | $126.32 | $1010.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158.82 | $1270.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183.10 | $1464.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $126.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $126.32/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $262,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $151,589. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,052.97 | $21,896 | $262,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,031.78 | $13,138 | $157,653 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,021.19 | $8,758 | $105,102 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Bethesda) | $126.32 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $262,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $272,007.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $126.32/hr = $157,653/year (purchasing power: $144,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $262,754/year (purchasing power: $240,397).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$88.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$120.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$126.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $93.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $99.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $103.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $107.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $114.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $120.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Bethesda grew 35.4% from $88.71/hr (2019) to $120.08/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $132.89/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
Considering part-time work, a nurse anesthetist in Bethesda can still achieve considerable annual earnings. For example, working 3 days a week and averaging 24 hours may yield around $107,450 per year, contrasting sharply with full-time positions that provide more stable income and potential benefits. The per diem model offers even greater earning potential; many locum tenens CRNAs charge between $200-$350 an hour in prime markets and can make between $1,500 and $2,500 daily on full-week assignments. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type, with hospital systems generally offering stable jobs as W-2 employees, while CRNA-owned group practices and locum tenens agencies provide various arrangements, from 1099 contracts to partnership opportunities. Although some may choose positions with lower hourly rates for health insurance and retirement benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly compensation without the usual perks. Negotiating these terms is crucial, and expressing a clear understanding of market rates, along with willingness to explore diverse employment types, can help nurse anesthetists secure optimal pay in Bethesda's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Bethesda?
Are nurse anesthetists in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Bethesda?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Bethesda?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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