Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Bethlehem, PA: $227,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Bethlehem, PA earns a median $227,519/year (≈ $109.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Bethlehem's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $233,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected nurse anesthetist salary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stands at $227,519 annually, reflecting a notable local compensation level in relation to the national median of $248,893. With salaries ranging from $148,963 at the 10th percentile to $320,896 at the 90th percentile, those considering this career in Bethlehem can expect diverse earning potential. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight a market shaped by employment structures. Those working as W-2 hospital employees may find different compensation dynamics compared to their 1099 counterparts in independent groups, impacting their overall financial outcomes and job satisfaction in what constitutes a crucial role in patient care.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,963 | $71.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $197,548 | $94.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $227,519 | $109.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $280,717 | $134.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $320,896 | $154.28 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, PA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $171,933 (2026 est.). At $227,519, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethlehem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethlehem Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Bethlehem median: $227,519/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethlehem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $227,292 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | -8.59% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $227,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 0.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $227,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethlehem has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethlehem, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A nurse anesthetist earning $227,519 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $233,592 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$159,780
2025 BLS Actual
$216,273
2026 Current Est.
$227,519
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $167,815 | Actual |
| 2021 | $178,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,389 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,273 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $227,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethlehem metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $159,780 (2019) to $216,273 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $239,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $79,570 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethlehem 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) | $148,963 – $197,548 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $197,548 – $227,519 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $227,519 – $280,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $280,717 – $320,896 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Bethlehem
Despite the favorable average salary, the cost-of-living index in Bethlehem sits at 97.4, which suggests that living expenses are lower than the national average, effectively enhancing nurses’ purchasing power. Currently, there are 14 nurse anesthetists employed in the area, indicating a concentrated yet competitive market. Healthcare institutions such as local hospitals typically offer more stable employment and enhanced benefits, appealing to those seeking W-2 roles. In contrast, other organizations, like ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices, might enable greater earnings through partnership tracks and additional bonuses tied to performance metrics. The disparity in salaries often stems from different call schedules, bonus structures, and the financial implications of 1099 tax status versus W-2 benefits. For nurse anesthetists in Bethlehem, a strategic approach to salary negotiation, careful consideration of employer type, and optimization of work-life balance can significantly impact earnings potential within this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 $216,273 for nurse anesthetistsin the Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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