Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $235,943 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Little Rock, AR earns a median $235,943/year (≈ $113.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Little Rock's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.4), that paycheck buys what $264,025 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% above the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the nurse anesthetist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas, is projected to reach a median of $235,943, reflecting a pay scale that positions it slightly lower than the national median of $248,893. The salary range for professionals in this region varies significantly, from $135,382 at the 10th percentile to $315,684 at the 90th percentile, providing a diverse compensation structure that reflects the varying levels of experience and demand within the market. Data for this overview is derived from BLS 2025 OEWS surveys, projecting the compensation outlook for nurse anesthetists amid Arkansas' evolving healthcare environment. The variation in pay demonstrates the potential for lucrative opportunities, particularly as Little Rock’s medical landscape becomes more competitive with increasing independence of CRNAs under federal opt-out provisions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,382 | $65.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $152,193 | $73.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $235,943 | $113.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $315,684 | $151.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $315,684 | $151.77 |
Median Salary Position
5.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
In Little Rock, AR, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $180,302 (2026 est.). At $235,943, the local median is 5.2% below the national median of $248,893.
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At 40 hours/week in Little Rock: You'd be above the median
How Little Rock Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Little Rock median: $235,943/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $216,263 | +9.10% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | -5.20% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Little Rock, AR earn a median of $235,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.20% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 9.10% above the Arkansas state average of $216,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Rock has a cost of living 10.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 89.364 (below the national average of 100). A nurse anesthetist earning $235,943 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $264,025 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$142,640
2025 BLS Actual
$224,280
2026 Current Est.
$235,943
2019–2027 Growth
+74.0%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $154,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $224,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $235,943 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $248,212 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Rock metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 57.2% from $142,640 (2019) to $224,280 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $248,212 by 2027 — a total increase of $105,572 (74.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $135,382 – $152,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $152,193 – $235,943 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $235,943 – $315,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $315,684 – $315,684 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Little Rock
Analyzing the prospects for nurse anesthetists in Little Rock AR reveals a robust local demand and job availability that bolsters earning potential. With a cost-of-living index of 89.364, salaries can translate into substantial purchasing power, making the area appealing for CRNAs. The highest-paying positions are often found in larger hospital systems, as well as established CRNA-owned practices that offer partnership-track opportunities. Factors such as call coverage responsibilities, weekend and holiday differentials, and OR efficiency can drive disparities within pay rates. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider roles in settings that leverage bonuses for productivity, as well as explore opportunities with locum tenens agencies that may offer higher compensation structures. Understanding the nuances of workplace arrangements and negotiating effectively for benefits can further enhance financial outcomes for nurse anesthetists in Little Rock.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $224,280 for nurse anesthetistsin the Little Rock metropolitan area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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