Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $246,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $246,130/year (≈ $118.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $238,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median annual nurse anesthetist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia, is projected to be $246,130, closely aligning with national averages while reflecting local market dynamics. Nurse anesthetists in this area can expect salaries ranging from $146,753 at the 10th percentile to as high as $379,099 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost adjustments that shape effective compensation. The compensation spectrum is influenced by factors such as the choice between W-2 hospital employment and 1099 group practices, with different structural configurations leading to varied earning potential within Chesapeake's healthcare ecosystem.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,753 | $70.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $217,065 | $104.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $246,130 | $118.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $315,047 | $151.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $379,099 | $182.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $232,346 (2026 est.). At $246,130, the local median is 1.11% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $246,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $256,921 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -1.11% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $246,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $256,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $246,130 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $238,498 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$172,850
2025 BLS Actual
$233,964
2026 Current Est.
$246,130
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $172,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $200,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $210,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $229,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $233,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $258,929 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $172,850 (2019) to $233,964 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $258,929 by 2027 — a total increase of $86,079 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $146,753 – $217,065 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $217,065 – $246,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $246,130 – $315,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $315,047 – $379,099 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Chesapeake
The job market for nurse anesthetists in Chesapeake is currently stable, with 63 professionals employed locally, indicating a modest but steady demand for anesthesia services. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the purchasing power afforded by nursing salaries is somewhat overshadowed by regional living expenses. Notably, compensation varies significantly based on employment type; hospital systems and ambulatory surgery centers generally offer more predictable salaries, while CRNA-owned group practices may provide favorable profit distribution options. Additionally, pay disparities arise from factors such as on-call rotation schedules, holiday differentials, and productivity bonuses. To maximize earning potential, aspiring nurse anesthetists should explore opportunities in high-volume facilities or consider moving into ownership roles within anesthesia groups, enhancing their leverage in negotiations. Furthermore, understanding local trends, such as preferences for independent practice, can be key for those seeking optimal positions in Chesapeake, VA.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Chesapeake?
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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 $233,964 for nurse anesthetistsin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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