Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $139.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Houston, TX runs $139.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $289,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $141.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $173,775 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay in 2026 is projected to be $139.24, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $119.66. This difference highlights the competitive landscape for nurse anesthetists in TX, making it an attractive option for professionals considering part-time or per-diem positions. In these typical work settings—such as operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, and pain management clinics—nurse anesthetists have the flexibility to work three days a week, easily tailoring their schedules while still commanding a solid hourly wage. For those new to the field or just entering, hourly earnings may start at around $85.63, with experienced professionals reaching up to $173.11, reflecting a robust earning potential across various practice environments. This hourly rate data derives from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and represents an accurate snapshot of the profession in the region.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85.63 | $685.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111.69 | $893.53 |
| Median (P50) | $139.24 | $1113.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163.76 | $1310.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173.11 | $1384.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $139.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $139.24/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $289,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $167,091. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,569.71 | $24,135 | $289,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,341.83 | $14,481 | $173,775 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,227.88 | $9,654 | $115,850 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Houston) | $139.24 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $289,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.37% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 18.80% above the Texas state average of $243,793.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $139.24/hr = $173,775/year (purchasing power: $176,190).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $289,625/year (purchasing power: $293,651).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$80.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$132.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$139.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+81.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $87.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $109.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $107.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $93.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $113.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $132.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Houston grew 63.7% from $80.86/hr (2019) to $132.36/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $146.48/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 Houston 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 Houston
Exploring the financial prospects for a nurse anesthetist in Houston, those working part-time (approximately 24 hours a week) can anticipate annual earnings that diverge significantly from full-time colleagues, yet still provide a reasonable income. The per diem nurse anesthetist pay in Houston opens doors to even greater financial possibilities; locum tenens CRNAs in prime markets can charge between $200 and $350 per hour and earn between $1,500 and $2,500 for full-day assignments. Hourly rates differ according to employer type, with hospital systems offering W-2 employment, pairs with ambulatory surgery centers, and CRNA-owned group practices potentially presenting partnership tracks. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without such advantages. For nurse anesthetists navigating compensation discussions, understanding local trends and the nuances of contract negotiations is vital to maximizing their hourly rate in Houston's diverse employment landscape.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 Houston. 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, 6-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