Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $128.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Cambridge, MA runs $128.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $266,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $117.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $159,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, nurse anesthetists command a median hourly rate of $128.00, surpassing the national median of $119.66. This competitive hourly pay opens up significant opportunities for both part-time professionals working three days a week, typically in main operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, and per-diem workers who might cover shifts across various healthcare settings. With an hourly range extending from $79.36 for entry-level roles up to $184.60 for the highest earners, the pay scale reflects a substantial reward for the unique skill set and responsibilities of CRNAs. Since these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a transparent glimpse into the lucrative financial landscape for nurse anesthetists in this prestigious region.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79.36 | $634.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107.54 | $860.28 |
| Median (P50) | $128.00 | $1023.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159.77 | $1278.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184.60 | $1476.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $128.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $128.00/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $266,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $153,596. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,119.87 | $22,186 | $266,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,071.92 | $13,312 | $159,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,047.95 | $8,874 | $106,493 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Cambridge) | $128.00 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $266,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.97% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $270,016.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $128.00/hr = $159,740/year (purchasing power: $147,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $266,233/year (purchasing power: $245,376).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$89.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$121.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$128.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $94.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $100.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $104.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $109.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $120.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $121.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Cambridge grew 35.4% from $89.89/hr (2019) to $121.67/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $134.65/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Considering the benefits of part-time and per-diem work can illustrate the substantial yearly earnings of a nurse anesthetist. For example, working three days a week translates to approximately $199,488 annually, which still positions nurse anesthetists favorably compared to full-time counterparts. Many opt to work as per diem or agency staff, often earning between $200 and $350 per hour in premium markets, with some daily rates ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments. The flexibility of roles can vary greatly, whether they are employed by hospital systems with traditional W-2 arrangements or as independent contractors through locum tenens agencies. While higher hourly rates may come without benefits, the potential trade-offs include job security and access to healthcare, prompting some to evaluate their preferences closely. Practical negotiation strategies may involve discussions about benefits versus pay rates, ensuring that nurse anesthetists in Cambridge make informed decisions that align with their career goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Cambridge?
Are nurse anesthetists in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Cambridge?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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