Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $138.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Seattle, WA runs $138.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $288,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $124.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $173,197 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Nurse anesthetists in Seattle, WA, attract a median hourly pay of $138.78, significantly surpassing the national median of $119.66. This robust pay scale reflects the city's high cost of living and demand for skilled anesthesia professionals. For those considering part-time roles, working three days per week could yield steady income, while per-diem positions in settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics offer flexibility and competitive rates. The hourly compensation ranges from $114.51 at the lower end for entry-level practitioners to $195.85 for top earners, thus illustrating the potential for significant earnings in this profession. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026 projects continued growth in this field, contributing to the appeal of working as a nurse anesthetist in Seattle.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $114.51 | $916.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115.49 | $923.91 |
| Median (P50) | $138.78 | $1110.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151.36 | $1210.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195.85 | $1566.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $138.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $138.78/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $288,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $166,536. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,551.19 | $24,055 | $288,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,330.72 | $14,433 | $173,197 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,220.48 | $9,622 | $115,465 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Seattle) | $138.78 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $288,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 8.00% above the Washington state average of $267,276.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $138.78/hr = $173,197/year (purchasing power: $155,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $288,662/year (purchasing power: $259,745).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$90.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$131.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$138.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $92.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $109.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $106.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $114.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $114.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $131.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Seattle grew 45.1% from $90.91/hr (2019) to $131.92/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $146.00/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can still be substantial compared to full-time placements. With a per diem or locum tenens role, CRNAs in premium markets can charge between $200 and $350 per hour or secure daily assignments ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. Differences in payment structures across employer types in Seattle are noteworthy; for instance, hospital systems may provide benefits as W-2 employees, whereas CRNA-owned practices and locum tenens agencies typically pay on a 1099 basis without offering health insurance. This variability presents a trade-off situation: accepting lower hourly rates for the security of benefits versus higher compensation for independent contracts. Additionally, negotiation for hourly pay should be informed by market demand and personal expertise, ensuring nurse anesthetists in WA maximize their earning potential while aligning with their career aspirations.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Seattle in 2026?
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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 Seattle. 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