Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $115.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Durham, NC runs $115.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $239,821 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $123.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $143,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in Durham, North Carolina command a median hourly rate of $115.30, which is slightly below the national median of $119.66. This rate reflects the competitive landscape for the profession in the area and provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time work. For professionals opting for a part-time schedule—perhaps three days a week—this hourly pay equates to a stable source of income that suits their lifestyle, especially in settings like main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and pain management clinics. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can expect to earn around $68.03 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $176.76, indicative of the varied opportunities available based on experience, skills, and employer type.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68.03 | $544.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101.22 | $809.79 |
| Median (P50) | $115.30 | $922.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145.06 | $1160.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176.76 | $1414.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $115.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $115.30/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $239,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $138,359. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,611.97 | $19,985 | $239,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,767.18 | $11,991 | $143,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,844.79 | $7,994 | $95,929 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Durham) | $115.30 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $239,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.64% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $232,836.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $115.30/hr = $143,893/year (purchasing power: $153,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $239,822/year (purchasing power: $256,220).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$80.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$109.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$115.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $85.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $90.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $94.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $91.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $109.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Durham grew 35.4% from $80.97/hr (2019) to $109.60/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $121.29/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 Durham 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 Durham
Understanding the earning potential in Durham extends beyond the median hourly rate. For a part-time nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings could translate to a substantial income that provides flexibility without the commitment of a full-time role. Additionally, per diem nurse anesthetists in Durham have the potential to earn significantly more by engaging in locum tenens assignments, where rates often range from $200 to $350 per hour. These professionals usually receive travel and lodging coverage from agencies, adding to their overall compensation. It's worth considering the different employer structures in Durham: hospital systems typically offer benefits with W-2 status, while CRNA-owned groups can provide partnership opportunities. Some choose to accept lower hourly wages for the security of health insurance, while others pursue a higher rate without such benefits. The nature of nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Durham allows room for negotiation, especially as many employers recognize the increasing demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Durham in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Durham?
Are nurse anesthetists in Durham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Durham?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Durham?
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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