Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $106.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Watertown, SD runs $106.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $222,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $115.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $133,259 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $106.78. This rate is notably lower than the national equivalent of $119.66, reflecting regional economic conditions and living costs. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to an annual earning potential that varies significantly based on hours worked. A nurse anesthetist working three days a week could depend on a consistent schedule, likely earning around $32,272 annually, though this varies based on the intensity and type of procedures involved. Within the profession, hourly rates range from $74.58 for entry-level positions to $144.93 for top earners, indicating a substantial income disparity based on experience and market demand.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($218,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74.58 | $596.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95.43 | $763.42 |
| Median (P50) | $106.78 | $854.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129.82 | $1038.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144.93 | $1159.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $106.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $106.78/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $222,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $128,134. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,271.12 | $18,508 | $222,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,562.67 | $11,105 | $133,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,708.45 | $7,403 | $88,839 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Watertown) | $106.78 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $222,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $230,864.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $106.78/hr = $133,259/year (purchasing power: $143,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $222,098/year (purchasing power: $239,330).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$74.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$101.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$106.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $78.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $83.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $87.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $91.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $93.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $101.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Watertown grew 35.4% from $74.99/hr (2019) to $101.50/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $112.33/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Shifting the focus to earning dynamics, a part-time nurse anesthetist working 24 hours per week would receive a robust income relative to other professions, but it still falls short of the full-time compensation potential available to colleagues in higher demand markets. For those exploring per diem arrangements, compensation can range significantly, with locum tenens CRNAs often able to command between $200 and $350 per hour in more competitive environments. Additionally, various employer types influence pay structures: hospitals typically offer W-2 employment with benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers may provide flexibility as either W-2 or 1099 arrangements. In contrast, CRNA-owned group practices may present partnership opportunities but can also lead to a trade-off in hourly compensation for added benefits. For nurse anesthetists in Watertown negotiating their hourly contracts, understanding these dynamics is critical, particularly when weighing benefits that may offset the sometimes lower hourly pay when healthcare coverage is included.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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