Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Columbia, MD: $233,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Columbia, MD earns a median $233,066/year (≈ $112.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $213,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.3% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for nurse anesthetists in Columbia, Maryland, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $233,066, reflecting the city’s unique blend of healthcare demands and cost of living. The salary range spans from $148,228 at the lower end to $340,353 at the upper end, illustrating the substantial income variability driven by factors such as call-coverage duties and lifestyle choices. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price adjustments and local market conditions, thus providing insight into the financial landscape for healthcare professionals in Columbia. Given this range, those entering the market can expect considerable differences in pay based on practice settings and specific roles within anesthesia teams.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,228 | $71.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $198,621 | $95.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $233,066 | $112.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $294,151 | $141.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $340,353 | $163.63 |
Median Salary Position
6.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MD, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $192,125 (2026 est.). At $233,066, the local median is 6.36% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $233,066/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $271,956 | -14.30% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -6.36% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Columbia, MD earn a median of $233,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 14.30% below the Maryland state average of $271,956.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $233,066 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $213,235 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$163,676
2025 BLS Actual
$221,546
2026 Current Est.
$233,066
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $183,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $252,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,546 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $245,186 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $163,676 (2019) to $221,546 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $245,186 by 2027 — a total increase of $81,510 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $148,228 – $198,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $198,621 – $233,066 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $233,066 – $294,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $294,151 – $340,353 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Columbia
The local job market consists of about 24 nurse anesthetists, indicating a relatively small but potentially stable workforce in Columbia. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, suggesting that while salaries are attractive, the purchasing power of take-home pay may be slightly challenged by higher living expenses. Among local employers, hospital systems and ambulatory surgery centers tend to offer the highest rates, alongside CRNA-owned group practices that might provide opportunities for partnership and profit-sharing. Variability in salary is influenced by the structure of call coverage—nurse anesthetists handling a 1-in-5 rotation may earn significantly more than those on a 1-in-8 schedule. Additionally, those who maximize their income often strategically engage in high-demand areas like trauma centers or opt for locum tenens positions, providing flexibility and potentially higher remuneration. Understanding these nuances can empower nurse anesthetists to negotiate salaries effectively in Columbia, MD.
More salary data for Columbia, 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 $221,546 for nurse anesthetistsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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