Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $115.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $115.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $241,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $123.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $144,721 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Winston-Salem, NC, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be $115.96 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $119.66. This hourly rate presents ample opportunities for part-time and per-diem nurse anesthetists, who often take on schedules that involve working three days a week in main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, or even dental anesthesia clinics. In this dynamic field, entry-level nurse anesthetists can expect to earn around $69.55 per hour, while experienced practitioners in the top percentile can command up to $171.75 per hour. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly figures are estimated based on annual salary data, highlighting a robust range from entry-level positions to highly experienced roles in this crucial healthcare sector.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $69.55 | $556.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95.80 | $766.36 |
| Median (P50) | $115.96 | $927.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146.62 | $1172.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171.75 | $1374.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $115.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $115.96/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $241,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $139,154. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,638.48 | $20,100 | $241,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,783.09 | $12,060 | $144,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,855.39 | $8,040 | $96,480 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Winston-Salem) | $115.96 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $241,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $232,821.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $115.96/hr = $144,721/year (purchasing power: $154,616).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $241,201/year (purchasing power: $257,693).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$81.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$110.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$115.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $85.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $91.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $94.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $99.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $97.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $110.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Winston-Salem grew 35.4% from $81.44/hr (2019) to $110.23/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $121.99/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
When examining the financial implications of working as a nurse anesthetist in Winston-Salem, part-time professionals working three days a week, or 24 hours, could earn approximately $57,939 annually—significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who typically hit around $241,203. For those drawn to the per diem model, the realities of locum tenens work present a lucrative avenue: CRNAs may bill between $200 and $350 per hour in premium markets, translating to daily earnings of $1,500 to $2,500 on full-week assignments, as agencies often cover travel, lodging, and malpractice insurance. Additionally, hourly rates vary by employer type; for instance, hospital systems often offer W-2 employment, whereas CRNA-owned practices might provide partnership opportunities as independent contractors. The choice between higher hourly rates and comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance, shapes many nurse anesthetists’ professional paths, showcasing a spectrum of priorities. As negotiations in Winston-Salem unfold, understanding these dynamics can empower nurse anesthetists to advocate effectively for their value and secure compensation that meets their lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Winston-Salem?
Are nurse anesthetists in Winston-Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Winston-Salem?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Winston-Salem?
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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