Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MD: $112.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Columbia, MD runs $112.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $233,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $102.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $139,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Columbia, Maryland, the hourly pay for nurse anesthetists is projected to be $112.05 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $119.66. This rate provides a significant advantage for part-time professionals working three days a week, as they can earn a stable income while enjoying better work-life balance. For those in per diem roles, the versatility to work in diverse settings—such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics—allows a flexible schedule. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can expect to earn $71.26 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $163.63, showcasing a broad salary range in Columbia reflective of various levels of experience and practice settings.
About the Columbia 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) | $71.26 | $570.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95.49 | $763.92 |
| Median (P50) | $112.05 | $896.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141.42 | $1131.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163.63 | $1309.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $112.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $112.05/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MD can expect to earn approximately $233,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $134,458. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,481.94 | $19,422 | $233,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,689.16 | $11,653 | $139,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,792.78 | $7,769 | $93,224 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Columbia) | $112.05 |
| 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 Columbia, MD earn a median of $233,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 14.30% below the Maryland state average of $271,956.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $112.05/hr = $139,837/year (purchasing power: $127,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $233,061/year (purchasing power: $213,230).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$78.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$106.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$112.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $82.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $88.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $91.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $95.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $121.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $106.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Columbia grew 35.4% from $78.69/hr (2019) to $106.51/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $117.88/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Part-time nurse anesthetists operating in Columbia, if working 24 hours a week, can expect to see annual earnings approximating $107,770. This is a valuable income while allowing for personal or family commitments. In contrast, per diem and locum tenens positions typically allow for a higher earning potential, with rates sometimes exceeding $200 to $350 per hour in premium markets. This flexibility is particularly appealing for those seeking temporary assignments and can include benefits like housing and malpractice coverage through agencies. Hourly rates can also differ considerably depending on the type of employer; for example, CRNAs in hospital systems might receive W-2 positions with additional benefits compared to those working independently or as part of a private anesthesia group. Consequently, while higher hourly rates without benefits may seem attractive, many choose positions that offer stability and healthcare insurance. It's essential for nurse anesthetists in Columbia to negotiate their rate effectively, considering their unique contributions and the varying employer landscapes.
More salary data for Columbia, MD:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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