Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $106.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Helena, MT runs $106.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $221,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $110.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $132,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Helena, MT reaches a median of $106.26, although this is slightly below the national median of $119.66. For professionals operating on a part-time basis, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a stable, albeit modest, income. Part-time and per diem opportunities can be especially appealing for those who wish to balance work in various settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain management clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $73.99 for entry-level positions to $148.04 for top earners, nurse anesthetists in Helena can find diverse roles, contributing to a range of clinical environments and earning potential, estimated from annual salary data.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($218,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73.99 | $591.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95.35 | $762.83 |
| Median (P50) | $106.26 | $850.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133.04 | $1064.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148.04 | $1184.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $106.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $106.26/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $221,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $127,515. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,250.50 | $18,419 | $221,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,550.30 | $11,051 | $132,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,700.20 | $7,368 | $88,410 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Helena) | $106.26 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $221,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $230,717.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $106.26/hr = $132,616/year (purchasing power: $137,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $221,026/year (purchasing power: $229,757).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$74.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$101.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$106.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $83.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $86.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $90.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $96.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $101.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Helena grew 35.4% from $74.63/hr (2019) to $101.01/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $111.79/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 Helena 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 Helena
Examining the earning potential for a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours weekly reveals significant differences compared to full-time employment. Such a part-time role may result in annual earnings that, while less than full-time counterparts, still offer financial stability. Additionally, locum tenens CRNAs frequently command higher per diem nurse anesthetist pay in Helena, with rates ranging from $200 to $350 per hour in premium markets. Many facilities like hospital systems and ambulatory surgery centers present varied compensation structures; those in group practices may prioritize benefits such as health insurance over higher hourly rates seen in agency positions. Negotiation is crucial for hourly workers, as understanding the different employer types and the associated value they present can lead to more favorable conditions, especially for those willing to explore varied work environments within Helena and its surrounding areas.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Helena?
Are nurse anesthetists in Helena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Helena?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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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 Helena. 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 Helena 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