Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Milwaukee, WI: $143.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Milwaukee, WI runs $143.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $297,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $147.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $178,528 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Milwaukee, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to reach $143.05 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $119.66. This premium reflects the region's specific healthcare demands and patient volume in settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain management clinics. For those considering part-time or per diem roles, the flexibility of working three days a week offers an income that remains robust, with entry-level CRNAs earning around $114.74 and top earners approaching $145.93 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data illustrates the financial stability available to nurse anesthetists in this market, making it an attractive option for practitioners throughout Wisconsin.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $114.74 | $917.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133.88 | $1071.02 |
| Median (P50) | $143.05 | $1144.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145.93 | $1167.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145.93 | $1167.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukee
Based on $143.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $143.05/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $297,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $171,661. With a cost-of-living index of 96.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,722.04 | $24,795 | $297,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,433.22 | $14,877 | $178,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,288.82 | $9,918 | $119,018 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Milwaukee) | $143.05 |
| 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 Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $297,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.55% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 4.80% above the Wisconsin state average of $283,920.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $143.05/hr = $178,528/year (purchasing power: $184,169).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $297,546/year (purchasing power: $306,948).
CoL index: 96.937 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$96.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$135.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$143.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $105.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $112.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $111.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $122.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $110.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $135.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Milwaukee grew 40.3% from $96.90/hr (2019) to $135.98/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $150.49/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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Evaluating the earning potential, a nurse anesthetist working part-time (around 24 hours per week) in Milwaukee can still expect a substantial income compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, those opting for agency or locum tenens positions often find themselves billing anywhere from $200 to $350 per hour, depending on the market's demand and their expertise. In Milwaukee, compensation varies across employer types; hospitals typically offer W-2 employment with benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers may offer both W-2 and 1099 opportunities. The decision to pursue a higher hourly rate without benefits or a more stable income with health insurance can influence many CRNAs' choices. Engaging in effective negotiations is essential, particularly for hourly workers, as understanding the unique demands of Milwaukee's healthcare environment can lead to better pay rates, whether working in military treatment facilities, private practice, or other clinical settings.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Milwaukee?
Are nurse anesthetists in Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Milwaukee?
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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 Milwaukee. 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, 4-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