Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Peoria, AZ: $156,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Peoria, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $156,928 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $159,318 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($250,553) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Peoria, Arizona can expect a starting salary of around $156,928. This initial pay level represents a significant gap compared to the city's median salary of $250,553, showcasing the typical earning potential for seasoned professionals in this role. However, the trajectory for early-career nurse anesthetists is promising. With experience, salaries can progress to approximately $211,689 at the 25th percentile within a few years, allowing new grads to gradually move closer to the median as they build skills and confidence in clinical settings. Peoria currently presents a favorable environment for aspiring CRNAs, offering various opportunities for entry-level positions.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Peoria, AZ typically start between $156,928 and $211,689 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $222,046 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $250,553 — 0.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arizona of $90,000 represents just 57.35% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($156,928/year) in Peoria. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on COA-accredited (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs) DNP/DNAP program data and AANA member tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public vs. private university) and residency status. Most programs require 1+ years ICU RN experience before admission.
CRNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $156,928 to $211,689, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Anesthetist Compensation Range
The nurse anesthetist wage spread in Peoria is $222,046 ( 141.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $156,928, experienced hygienists can earn up to $378,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$122,488
2025 BLS Actual
$149,171
2026 Current Est.
$156,928
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,088 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, AZ grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $122,488 in 2019 to $149,171 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $165,088. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Peoria
Employers in Peoria, such as academic medical centers, are particularly appealing for newly minted nurse anesthetists, as they tend to provide diverse case mix experiences, including pediatric and cardiac anesthesia. Large hospital systems often implement structured transition-to-practice programs tailored for recent graduates, helping them adjust seamlessly into their roles. Obtaining a valid CRNA license from the state board of nursing and NBCRNA certification will be essential for new graduates seeking to boost their initial earning potential. Continuing education options, such as optional fellowships in specialty areas and pursuing advanced degrees like a DNP or DNAP, further enhance career prospects. Given that 19 states, including opt-out states, allow CRNAs to operate independently, positioning oneself within these environments may elevate career pathways and salary expectations. Realistically, early-career practitioners in Peoria should anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain proficiency and navigate the complexities of the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent across Arizona.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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