Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $117.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Waco, TX runs $117.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $245,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $122.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $147,110 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Waco, Texas, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be $117.88 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $119.66. This competitive rate offers a solid income for CRNAs working in various settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain clinics. For those considering part-time positions, typically three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, while per-diem workers can thrive in flexible environments such as dental anesthesia clinics or military treatment facilities. The hourly range for nurse anesthetists in Waco extends from $76.65 at the entry level to about $174.33 for experienced professionals, showcasing ample opportunities for growth in this profession against a backdrop of local prevailing wages.
About the Waco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76.65 | $613.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101.73 | $813.83 |
| Median (P50) | $117.88 | $943.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150.07 | $1200.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174.33 | $1394.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $117.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $117.88/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $245,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $141,452. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,715.06 | $20,432 | $245,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,829.04 | $12,259 | $147,110 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,886.03 | $8,173 | $98,073 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Waco) | $117.88 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $245,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.49% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 0.50% above the Texas state average of $243,960.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $117.88/hr = $147,110/year (purchasing power: $153,240).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $245,183/year (purchasing power: $255,399).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$82.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$112.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$117.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $86.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $92.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $96.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $100.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $99.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $112.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Waco grew 35.4% from $82.78/hr (2019) to $112.05/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $124.01/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 Waco 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 Waco
For nurse anesthetists contemplating part-time work, those dedicating around 24 hours a week may find their annual earnings significantly impacted compared to full-time roles. Per diem nurse anesthetist pay in Waco can vary greatly, with CRNAs in higher-demand areas often commanding upwards of $200-$350 per hour, especially through locum tenens agencies that provide additional benefits like housing and malpractice insurance. In Waco specifically, the difference in hourly rates across employer types is notable; hospital systems usually offer W-2 employment with health benefits, while independent practices might provide more lucrative 1099 arrangements albeit without the same safety nets. This trade-off in hourly pay and associated benefits poses a strategic consideration for CRNAs deciding how to best structure their careers. Ultimately, negotiating effectively—acknowledging the local market trends and typical compensation packages—will be essential for those seeking to enhance their earnings in this pivotal role.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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 Waco 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