Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $137.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Gastonia, NC runs $137.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $285,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $146.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $171,451 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Gastonia, North Carolina, is projected to be $137.38, notably higher than the national hourly median of $119.66. This means that a nurse anesthetist working part-time, say three days a week, could expect an hourly rate that provides substantial financial support, particularly in critical settings such as operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. With a wide hourly range from $91.32 for entry-level practitioners to $194.60 for top earners, the potential for lucrative hourly compensation exists, especially for experienced professionals who may take per diem shifts in various healthcare environments, including chronic pain procedure rooms and military facilities. The hourly rates highlighted here are derived from annual projections, emphasizing how the hourly pay structure reflects the expertise and significant responsibilities of nurse anesthetists.
About the Gastonia 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) | $91.32 | $730.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120.00 | $960.01 |
| Median (P50) | $137.38 | $1099.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170.32 | $1362.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194.60 | $1556.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $137.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $137.38/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $285,752 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $164,857. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,495.23 | $23,813 | $285,752 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,297.14 | $14,288 | $171,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,198.09 | $9,525 | $114,301 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Gastonia) | $137.38 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $285,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 22.80% above the North Carolina state average of $232,702.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $137.38/hr = $171,451/year (purchasing power: $183,174).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $285,752/year (purchasing power: $305,290).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$96.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$130.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$137.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $101.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $107.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $112.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $117.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $91.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $130.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Gastonia grew 35.4% from $96.48/hr (2019) to $130.59/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $144.52/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
For those considering part-time work in Gastonia, a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours per week could bring home a desirable income, with earnings significantly influenced by the type of employment. Per diem and locum tenens opportunities further enhance earning potential, as CRNAs in premium markets can command $200 to $350 per hour or even $1,500 to $2,500 per day for full-week assignments, with agencies generally covering additional costs such as travel and lodging. Additionally, hourly rates can vary based on the employer type; CRNAs may find that hospital systems offer more stability but lower rates compared to CRNA-owned anesthesia group practices or locum tenens positions. Many professionals face the choice between lower hourly rates with health benefits versus higher pay without them. As such, it is essential for nurse anesthetists to negotiate effectively, weighing the financial benefits against job security and benefits packages based on their individual circumstances and career goals in the evolving landscape of anesthesiology in NC.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Gastonia in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Gastonia?
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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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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