Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $137.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Columbia, SC runs $137.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $285,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $146.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $171,280 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Columbia, South Carolina offers a competitive nurse anesthetist hourly pay of $137.24, significantly exceeding the national median of $119.66. Such a rate is particularly advantageous for individuals considering part-time roles, often working three days a week, or those pursuing per-diem opportunities in various settings including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics. The hourly compensation for nurse anesthetists in Columbia can range from approximately $108.24 at the entry level to $168.44 for experienced professionals, as projected for 2026 based on 2025 BLS data. This makes the field an attractive option for both full-time and flexible work arrangements, providing a solid financial foundation whether employed traditionally or independently.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108.24 | $865.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113.46 | $907.67 |
| Median (P50) | $137.24 | $1097.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145.50 | $1164.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168.44 | $1347.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $137.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $137.24/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $285,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $164,693. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,489.76 | $23,789 | $285,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,293.85 | $14,273 | $171,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,195.90 | $9,516 | $114,187 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Columbia) | $137.24 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $285,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.69% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 25.30% above the South Carolina state average of $227,821.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $137.24/hr = $171,280/year (purchasing power: $182,871).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $285,467/year (purchasing power: $304,785).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$86.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$130.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$137.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $101.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $93.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $101.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $117.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $105.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $130.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Columbia grew 51.1% from $86.32/hr (2019) to $130.46/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $144.38/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For those considering part-time work in Columbia, a nurse anesthetist putting in 24 hours per week could still secure a substantial annual income, markedly lower than a full schedule yet still significant. The per diem nurse anesthetist pay in Columbia reflects market trends and can vary widely; locum tenens CRNAs in premium markets may command rates between $200 and $350 per hour. With potential daily earnings ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments, this flexibility can enhance overall earnings while accommodating personal schedules. Hourly rates further fluctuate across different work environments, as hospital systems often offer W-2 employment with benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices may present 1099 contractor options. Some nurse anesthetists may find themselves weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with comprehensive health coverage. Negotiation remains crucial in this arena; understanding local demand, requisite certifications, and practice settings can empower these professionals to negotiate effectively and align their compensation with industry standards in SC.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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