Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Sterling, VA: $246,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Sterling, VA earns a median $246,451/year (≈ $118.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $238,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in Sterling, Virginia, can expect a forecasted median salary of $246,451 for nurse anesthetists. This figure closely aligns with national averages, coming in at just under the national median of $248,893. The local salary range is notable, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $172,365 (10th percentile) and experienced professionals earning as much as $344,246 (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect not only the demand for skilled nurse anesthetists in the area but also the implications of the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent in Virginia. In this context, Sterling's pay structure represents a competitive offering for those considering a career in this field.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $172,365 | $82.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $216,236 | $103.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $246,451 | $118.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $303,790 | $146.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $344,246 | $165.50 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $171,881 (2026 est.). At $246,451, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Sterling median: $246,451/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $256,987 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -0.98% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Sterling, VA earn a median of $246,451 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $256,987.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $246,451 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $238,809 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$173,075
2025 BLS Actual
$234,269
2026 Current Est.
$246,451
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $173,075 | Actual |
| 2020 | $181,779 | Actual |
| 2021 | $193,691 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $210,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $234,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $259,266 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $173,075 (2019) to $234,269 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $259,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $86,191 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $172,365 – $216,236 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $216,236 – $246,451 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $246,451 – $303,790 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $303,790 – $344,246 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Sterling
With a modest cohort of just seven nurse anesthetists currently employed in Sterling, the market dynamics suggest a stable yet selective job environment. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 103.2, pointing to a slightly elevated standard of living compared to national averages. As such, potential earnings must be navigated against the backdrop of local expenses to assess real purchasing power. Employers such as hospital systems and CRNA-owned anesthesia groups tend to offer higher remuneration, particularly for those involved in partnership tracks. Variations in pay across the board can arise from factors like call coverage rotation and differences in weekend or holiday duty expectations. To maximize earnings, aspiring nurse anesthetists in Sterling should consider seeking out opportunities with trauma center stipends or engaging with locum tenens agencies that offer flexible contracts. Understanding the specific needs of local employers and negotiating accordingly can have a substantial impact on overall compensation.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
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 $234,269 for nurse anesthetistsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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