Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Hilo, HI: $295,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $295,578/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $247,760 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hilo, the potential for senior nurse anesthetists to achieve outstanding salaries is tangible, with projections for 2026 indicating top earners (P90) could make as much as $295,578 annually. This impressive figure not only positions Hilo’s experienced nurse anesthetists above many of their peers in other regions, but it also highlights the significant experience premium available in the field. With a median salary of $209,837, professionals at the upper echelons of this career path are well rewarded for their expertise and tenure, especially when delivering specialized services in high-demand environments. To reach these higher salary brackets, seasoned professionals often expand their skill sets or take leadership roles within their organizations, which further enhances their earning potential in a market that increasingly values advanced practice competencies.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $260,800 and $295,578 per year (2026 est.). This $151,700 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $209,837 sits 15.69% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $209,837 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $260,800 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $295,578 | $357,154 |
In Hilo, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 40.86% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $209,837 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $260,800–$295,578 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse anesthetists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse anesthetists in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nurse Anesthetists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nurse Anesthetist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $295,578).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Hilo ($295,578) is 9.13% below the Hawaii average P90 ($325,276).
2024 BLS Actual
$297,663
2025 BLS Actual
$280,968
2026 Current Est.
$295,578
2024–2027 Growth
+4.5%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Hilo (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $297,663 | Actual |
| 2025 | $280,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $295,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $310,948 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow -5.6% from $297,663 in 2024 to $280,968 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $310,948 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Anesthetist Earnings in Hilo
Compensation for senior nurse anesthetists in Hilo varies widely based on the type of employer and specialty area. Those who focus on high-stakes specialties such as pediatric anesthesia, obstetrics, or cardiac anesthesia can expect to command a premium over their peers. Additionally, the differing compensation structures among hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and private practices, including CRNA-owned groups, play a crucial role in shaping senior pay. For instance, opportunities in mentorship and leadership, such as becoming the chief CRNA or a clinical coordinator, can lead to increased earnings. Advanced credentials further bolster pay; certifications like those from the NBCRNA and fellowship programs can distinguish a nurse anesthetist in this competitive market. Non-salary benefits, including call coverage configurations and holiday differentials, also significantly affect total compensation, illustrating the multifaceted nature of senior nurse anesthetist pay HI in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $280,968 for nurse anesthetists in the Hilo metro area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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