Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Waltham, MA: $375,128 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Waltham, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $375,128/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Waltham's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $345,740 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$375,128
Top 10% Earn
$180.35/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$332,675
75th Percentile
$375,128
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Senior Salary in Waltham, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Waltham, MA nurse anesthetist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Waltham, the earning potential for experienced nurse anesthetists is robust, with a projected median annual salary of $262,781 in 2026. For those at the upper echelon of the salary scale, the top earners can expect to see compensation reaching as high as $375,128, placing Waltham above many national standards where the top nurse anesthetist salary is estimated at $248,893. This difference highlights the appealing experience premium in the area. To achieve such high compensation levels, practitioners typically require over seven years of experience, specialized training, and advanced certifications. Those who ascend to the upper tiers often enhance their qualifications, often undertaking challenging roles that align with their expertise in various anesthesia subspecialties.

About the Waltham Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Waltham. The median salary is $262,781, compared to the national median of $248,893.$159.1K$217.8K$276.5K$335.2K$393.9K$176.7K10th Pctl$230.9K25th Pctl$262.8KMedian$332.7K75th Pctl$375.1K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Waltham earn between $332,675 and $375,128 per year (2026 est.). This $198,403 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waltham median of $262,781 sits 5.58% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Waltham metro area.

Top CRNA Salary Comparison

LevelWalthamNational
Median (P50)$262,781$248,893
75th Percentile$332,675$309,656
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$375,128$357,154

In Waltham, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 42.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Waltham

1

Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts

MA nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $262,781 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waltham employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Waltham command premium compensation, often reaching the $332,675–$375,128 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waltham metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse anesthetists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured nurse anesthetists in Waltham with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Nurse Anesthetists in Massachusetts 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 Waltham

Clinical Nurse Anesthetist

0-5 years
$176,725 – $262,781

Senior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist

5-10 years
$262,781 – $332,675

Nurse Anesthetist Department Manager

10+ years
$332,675+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Waltham ranks #28 of 57 Massachusetts cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $375,128).

Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Waltham ($375,128) is 5.2% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($395,706).

2024 BLS Actual

$314,152

2025 BLS Actual

$356,586

2026 Current Est.

$375,128

2024–2027 Growth

+25.6%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Waltham (20242027)

2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Waltham. Baseline $314,152 in 2025, projected to $394,635 by 2027.$298.1K$326.2K$354.4K$382.6K$410.7K20242025202620272025 BLS$314.2K$356.6K$375.1K$394.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2024$314,152Actual
2025$356,586Actual
2026(current)$375,128Estimated
2027$394,635Projected

Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Waltham saw their compensation grow 13.5% from $314,152 in 2024 to $356,586 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 $394,635 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20242025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Waltham

Advanced nursing roles in Waltham’s evolving healthcare environment favor those who pursue specializations like pediatric, cardiac, or obstetric anesthesia, which command higher pay. Employers—including major hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and CRNA-owned group practices—offer varying compensation based on the scope of responsibility and type of employment structure. Senior professionals might transition to leadership roles such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director, which feature both salary boosts and potential for profit sharing, particularly in collaborative practice models and group agreements. Increased pay can also come through pursuing fellowships or achieving additional credentials such as the DNP or DNAP. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as better call coverage, weekend differentials, and trauma center stipends contribute to the overall compensation package for those entrenched at this senior level, making the field particularly attractive for nurse anesthetists in MA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Waltham in 2026?

Top-earning nurse anesthetists in Waltham (90th percentile) make $375,128/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is $112,347 more than the area median of $262,781 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior nurse anesthetists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Waltham?

Higher nurse anesthetist pay in Waltham is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Waltham?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for nurse anesthetists in Waltham include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $262,781, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Waltham?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Waltham is $375,128, well above $100K. Nurse Anesthetists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Waltham?

In Waltham, the gap between entry level ($176,725) and top earners ($375,128) is $198,403, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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 $356,586 for nurse anesthetists in the Waltham 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 Waltham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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