Nurse Anesthetist Salary in District of Columbia: $234,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median nurse anesthetist pay sits at $234,754/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1151. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $200,644 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($223,150).
In 2026, nurse anesthetists in the District of Columbia can expect an average median salary of $234,754, which is approximately 5.7% lower than the national median of $248,893. This figure reflects the average across the only major city in the region, Washington, which also stands as the highest and lowest paying city at the same salary level. The salary for nurse anesthetists in D.C. is largely influenced by the metropolitan area's cost of living, healthcare demand, and competition among healthcare institutions. The licensing requirements in the District of Columbia are stringent, requiring advanced degrees and national certification, which helps maintain a standard of excellence in practice. Nurse anesthetists here operate with a full scope of practice, which allows for greater autonomy and responsibility in patient care. As of 2026, the demand for these professionals is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.20%, reflecting the expanding healthcare needs of the population. In total, around 440 nurse anesthetists are employed in the District, indicating a solid job market characterized by steady employment opportunities. Understanding these dynamics helps aspiring nurse anesthetists in D.C. navigate their career paths effectively.
District of Columbia Nurse Anesthetist Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $113,458 (lowest entry-level) to $369,336 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia nurse anesthetists earn 5.68% less than the national median ($-14,139/year difference).
District of Columbia Nurse Anesthetist Salary Distribution (2026)
Nurse Anesthetist salaries in District of Columbia range from $113,458 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $369,336 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $234,754. The District of Columbia median is $14,139 below the US national median of $248,893. The average hourly rate is $112.87/hr. Approximately 440 nurse anesthetists are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$180,450
2025 BLS Actual
$223,150
2026 Current Est.
$234,754
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $175,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $204,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $221,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $235,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $225,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $234,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $246,961 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 23.7% from $180,450 (2019) to $223,150 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $246,961 by 2027 — a total increase of $66,511 (36.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $113,458 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $234,754 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $369,336 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $234,754 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Nurse Anesthetist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in District of Columbia in 2026?
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How does District of Columbia nurse anesthetist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in District of Columbia?
How many nurse anesthetists are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for nurse anesthetists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 nurse anesthetist compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more nurse anesthetistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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