Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $250,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $250,944/year (≈ $120.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $244,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source

As of 2026, the compensation for a nurse anesthetist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $250,944, slightly above the national median of $248,893. This market showcases a diverse salary range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $163,323 while more experienced practitioners may see earnings as high as $390,166. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), reveals a solid financial landscape for nurse anesthetists in the city. With 1,190 nurse anesthetists currently employed in Philadelphia, the job market indicates a stable presence of these critical healthcare professionals, effectively responding to the demands of both the Anesthesia Care Team model and independent practice in opt-out states.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $163,323 | $78.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $232,997 | $112.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $250,944 | $120.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $316,926 | $152.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $390,166 | $187.58 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $226,843 (2026 est.). At $250,944, the local median is 0.82% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Philadelphia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Philadelphia Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $250,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $227,304 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +0.82% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $250,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 10.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $227,304.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $250,944 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $244,695 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$164,640
2025 BLS Actual
$238,540
2026 Current Est.
$250,944
2019–2027 Growth
+60.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $164,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $197,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $205,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $227,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $238,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $250,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $263,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 44.9% from $164,640 (2019) to $238,540 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $263,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $99,353 (60.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $163,323 – $232,997 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $232,997 – $250,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $250,944 – $316,926 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $316,926 – $390,166 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Philadelphia
Understanding the local job market context is essential for nurse anesthetists contemplating their earning potential in Philadelphia, PA. The city's cost-of-living index, which sits at 102.554, suggests that while salaries may be competitive, the expenses associated with living in an urban environment can impact take-home purchasing power. Among various employers, hospital systems generally offer the highest salaries, though compensation can vary significantly based on practice settings and role expectations. Factors contributing to this salary disparity include call coverage requirements, with rotations differing from 1-in-8 to 1-in-5, and additional stipends for weekend or holiday shifts. Prospective nurse anesthetists should consider strategies like pursuing leadership roles or partnerships in CRNA-owned groups to maximize their earnings. Staying informed about contract negotiations and understanding the nuances of tax implications between W-2 and 1099 employment can further enhance their overall compensation in this vibrant Philadelphia market.
More salary data for Philadelphia, 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 $238,540 for nurse anesthetistsin the Philadelphia 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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