Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Bethesda, MD: $262,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Bethesda, MD earns a median $262,759/year (≈ $126.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $240,402 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, nurse anesthetists earn a projected median annual salary of $262,759 for 2026, positioning them favorably compared to the national median of $248,893. The local market showcases a salary range that spans from $172,573 at the 10th percentile to $380,857 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Such a substantial spread between lower and higher earnings highlights the varying lifestyles and call-coverage demands faced by nurse anesthetists in this area, which influence job satisfaction and professional choices.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $172,573 | $82.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $228,549 | $109.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $262,759 | $126.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $330,351 | $158.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $380,857 | $183.10 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $208,284 (2026 est.). At $262,759, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $262,759/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $272,007 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | +5.57% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $262,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $272,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $262,759 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $240,402 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$184,528
2025 BLS Actual
$249,771
2026 Current Est.
$262,759
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $184,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $193,808 | Actual |
| 2021 | $206,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $224,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $237,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $249,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $262,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $276,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $184,528 (2019) to $249,771 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $276,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $91,895 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $172,573 – $228,549 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $228,549 – $262,759 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $262,759 – $330,351 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $330,351 – $380,857 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Bethesda
The job market for nurse anesthetists in Bethesda is supported by 18 practitioners, indicating a solid presence in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, expenses can impact take-home pay, necessitating a focus on maximizing earnings potential. Hospitals often offer competitive salaries; however, ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices could provide attractive arrangements for those pursuing a partnership track. Factors that contribute to the pay disparity include the nature of call coverage, which can vary from 1-in-5 to 1-in-8 shifts, as well as weekend and holiday differentials, OR efficiency bonuses, and profit-sharing within group practices. For those seeking to elevate their earnings in Bethesda MD, strategic choices surrounding employer types, work schedules, and negotiating stipends for high-demand roles are essential steps.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $249,771 for nurse anesthetistsin the Bethesda 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
Salary data for Bethesda is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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