Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $110.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $110.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $229,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $117.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $137,670 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be $110.31 for 2026, placing it somewhat lower than the national hourly median of $119.66. This rate is significant for those in part-time positions, typically working around three days a week, as it offers a substantial income. The hourly pay ranges from $76.48 for entry-level positions to $160.34 for top earners, making it a viable option for professionals seeking flexibility in settings like operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain clinics. The figures are built on annual salary data, reflecting the variety of environments in which nurse anesthetists operate, including military facilities and dental anesthesia clinics, where demand continues to grow.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $76.48 | $611.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96.22 | $769.73 |
| Median (P50) | $110.31 | $882.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138.96 | $1111.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160.34 | $1282.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $110.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $110.31/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $229,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $132,375. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,412.51 | $19,121 | $229,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,647.51 | $11,473 | $137,670 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,765.00 | $7,648 | $91,780 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Wake Forest) | $110.31 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $229,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.81% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $232,715.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $110.31/hr = $137,670/year (purchasing power: $147,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $229,450/year (purchasing power: $245,139).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$77.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$104.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$110.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $81.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $86.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $90.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $94.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $93.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $104.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Wake Forest grew 35.4% from $77.47/hr (2019) to $104.86/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $116.05/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Exploring the employment scenario further, a nurse anesthetist working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect a significant annual income that remains competitive. For instance, those considering per diem work may find themselves earning anywhere from $200 to $350 hourly in premium markets, often securing around $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments. In Wake Forest, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; hospital systems typically employ nurse anesthetists in W-2 roles, while group practices may offer partnership tracks. On the other hand, locum tenens and agency roles often provide flexibility but without the security of benefits. Negotiating is key; while some may accept lower hourly pay for comprehensive health insurance, others might prioritize higher rates without benefits in the growing CRNA-owned group-practice model. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals navigating their career in this field.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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