Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Brighton, CO: $172,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Brighton, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $172,612 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brighton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $164,392 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($249,107) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Brighton, Colorado, can expect a starting salary around $172,612 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, which contrast significantly with the city’s median annual salary of $249,107. For new nurse anesthetists, this means a possible salary growth trajectory that can lead toward the P25 estimate of $222,137 within the first few years. Given the 5.20% annual growth rate projected for this profession, early-career nurse anesthetists in Brighton can find themselves on a promising path in a market that supports salary advancements and opportunities for skill development.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brighton
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 Brighton
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brighton, CO typically start between $172,612 and $222,137 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $181,027 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $249,107 — 0.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $105,000 represents just 60.83% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($172,612/year) in Brighton. 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 Brighton
- 1Research the Brighton market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $172,612 to $222,137, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brighton, 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 Brighton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brighton'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 Brighton is $181,027 ( 104.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $172,612, experienced hygienists can earn up to $353,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$134,731
2025 BLS Actual
$164,080
2026 Current Est.
$172,612
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,731 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,177 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,588 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Brighton, CO grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $134,731 in 2019 to $164,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $181,588. New graduates entering the Brighton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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 Brighton
Employers in Brighton that are known to hire entry-level nurse anesthetists include major academic medical centers and large hospital systems, both of which provide comprehensive case mixes ideal for new graduates. Many of these institutions offer structured transition-to-practice programs that can ease the transition from classroom to real-world clinical settings. In addition, obtaining a CRNA license from the state board of nursing and NBCRNA certification can significantly elevate starting pay. Engaging in optional fellowships and pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) can further enhance career prospects. During the initial one to three years, entry-level CRNAs may reasonably expect gradual salary increases reflective of their growing competencies in this vital field, particularly as the market in Brighton accommodates innovative practice models like CRNA-owned group practices in opt-out states.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Brighton in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Brighton?
Is nursing school worth it in Brighton?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Brighton?
How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Colorado?
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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 Brighton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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