Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $119.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Salem, VA runs $119.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $249,042 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $116.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $149,421 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at $119.73, closely aligning with the national median of $119.66. This competitive rate supports various work arrangements for nurse anesthetists, particularly part-time schedules, which might typically total around three days per week. Such flexibility allows these professionals to balance their careers with personal commitments or other opportunities. Moreover, per-diem arrangements in diverse clinical settings—including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics—can yield significant earnings. The hourly range in Salem extends from $76.30 for entry-level positions to $161.99 for the most experienced practitioners, illustrating the potential for substantial financial growth in this field. It’s important to recognize that these estimated hourly rates are derived from anticipated annual salaries, providing a reliable overview for those considering their career path in the region.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76.30 | $610.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109.25 | $874.00 |
| Median (P50) | $119.73 | $957.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144.66 | $1157.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161.99 | $1295.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $119.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $119.73/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $249,034 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $143,674. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,789.12 | $20,753 | $249,034 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,873.47 | $12,452 | $149,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,915.65 | $8,301 | $99,614 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Salem) | $119.73 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $249,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $256,744.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $119.73/hr = $149,421/year (purchasing power: $144,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $249,034/year (purchasing power: $241,312).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$84.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$113.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$119.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $88.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $94.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $97.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $102.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $103.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $113.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Salem grew 35.4% from $84.08/hr (2019) to $113.81/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $125.95/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 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 Salem
Earning potential for a nurse anesthetist working a part-time schedule—specifically three days a week, totaling 24 hours—can yield an annual income of approximately $148,760, significantly less than what full-time colleagues earn. This contrasts notably with the income potential of per-diem or agency positions, where nurse anesthetists often command rates between $200 and $350 per hour in competitive markets. This indicates that dedicated CRNAs interested in higher earnings frequently explore locum tenens roles, where weekly assignments can bring in $1,500 to $2,500 per day. In Salem, hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the type of employer: hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment with benefits, while CRNA-owned anesthesia groups may present partnership opportunities with different pay structures. Some professionals opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance, while others prioritize higher rates with no benefits. Those entering negotiations should be well-informed about local salary standards and prepared to leverage their unique skills to maximize their earnings in both permanent and per diem roles.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Salem?
Are nurse anesthetists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 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 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