Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Watertown, MA: $266,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Watertown, MA earns a median $266,546/year (≈ $128.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $245,665 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Watertown, Massachusetts, nurse anesthetists can anticipate a median annual salary of $266,546 in 2026, which represents a competitive edge over the national median of $248,893. Salaries in this market range from $178,048 at the lower end (P10) to $361,145 at the high end (P90), highlighting the earnings potential for experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors. Given Watertown's job market dynamics, the pay for nurse anesthetists reflects the balance of demand and the impact of the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent in the region, which often influences salary structures for CRNAs working under physician supervision.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,048 | $85.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $243,092 | $116.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $266,546 | $128.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $321,756 | $154.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $361,145 | $173.63 |
Median Salary Position
7.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $183,097 (2026 est.). At $266,546, the local median is 7.09% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $266,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $270,057 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | +7.09% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Watertown, MA earn a median of $266,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $270,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $266,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $245,665 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$187,188
2025 BLS Actual
$253,371
2026 Current Est.
$266,546
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $187,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $196,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $209,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $217,495 | Actual |
| 2023 | $227,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $251,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $253,371 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $266,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $280,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $187,188 (2019) to $253,371 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $280,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $93,219 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $178,048 – $243,092 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $243,092 – $266,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $266,546 – $321,756 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $321,756 – $361,145 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Watertown
The local job market for nurse anesthetists in Watertown is modest, with only 7 professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living in this area, indicated by a lifestyle index of 108.5, suggests that take-home pay may be somewhat impacted by higher living expenses compared to the national average. The highest salaries can typically be found in hospital systems and CRNA-owned anesthesia groups, with various factors driving compensation fluctuations such as call coverage rotations, OR efficiency bonuses, and differential pay for weekends and holidays. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing opportunities with group practices that offer profit-sharing and opting for full-time positions over locum arrangements can provide greater financial benefits in this specific market context.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Watertown?
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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 $253,371 for nurse anesthetistsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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