Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $136.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Wausau, WI runs $136.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $283,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $147.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $170,296 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to be approximately $136.45 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median hourly wage of $119.66. This compensation reflects the level of education and expertise required from Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who often work in dynamic environments such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and OB suites. For professionals seeking part-time employment, a 3-day workweek could yield around $10,500 monthly for 24 hours in clinical practice, while the hourly compensation can range from $108.31 for entry-level positions to $162.17 for top earners. The official BLS figures indicate that Wausau provides competitive pay for CRNAs compared to many other regions.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108.31 | $866.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $136.42 | $1091.39 |
| Median (P50) | $136.45 | $1091.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162.17 | $1297.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162.17 | $1297.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $136.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $136.45/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $283,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $163,746. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,458.20 | $23,652 | $283,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,274.92 | $14,191 | $170,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,183.28 | $9,461 | $113,530 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Wausau) | $136.45 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $283,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.03% higher than the national median of $248,893.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $136.45/hr = $170,296/year (purchasing power: $183,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $283,826/year (purchasing power: $306,339).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$95.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$129.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$136.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $100.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $107.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $99.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $106.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $98.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $129.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Wausau grew 35.4% from $95.83/hr (2019) to $129.71/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $143.55/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Analyzing the compensation structure reveals interesting insights for those considering part-time, per diem, or locum tenens opportunities. A nurse anesthetist working three days a week may see annual earnings of roughly $126,689, providing a comfortable income, though full-time positions offer greater stability. In addition to W-2 employed roles in hospital systems, independent CRNAs and per diem arrangements can lead to variations in earnings and responsibilities. Locum tenens professionals often command premium rates of $200-$350 per hour or $1,500-$2,500 per day for full-week assignments, benefitting from travel and lodging reimbursements. However, the choice between a higher hourly rate with no benefits and a lower one with health insurance coverage is a critical consideration. Nurse anesthetists in Wausau should negotiate strategically to account for the regional market trends, knowing that agency and practice type can significantly influence their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Wausau?
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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 Wausau. 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