Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $176,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $176,715 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $168,300 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($271,562) 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado can expect starting nurse anesthetist salaries around $176,715 per year. This figure represents the entry-level pay at the 10th percentile, significantly lower than the city's median salary of $271,562. However, first-year CRNAs can look forward to a growth trajectory as they develop their careers, with earnings likely increasing towards the 25th percentile of $234,966 and closer to the median within a 3- to 5-year timeframe. The robust healthcare market in Colorado Springs presents promising opportunities for new graduates to establish a solid foundation in their careers, supporting steady salary growth and professional development.
About the Colorado Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
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 Colorado Springs
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $176,715 and $234,966 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $243,836 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $271,562 — 9.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $105,000 represents just 59.42% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($176,715/year) in Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $176,715 to $234,966, 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 Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs is $243,836 ( 137.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $176,715, experienced hygienists can earn up to $420,551.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$137,933
2025 BLS Actual
$167,980
2026 Current Est.
$176,715
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,904 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $137,933 in 2019 to $167,980 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $185,904. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
New grad nurse anesthetist pay in Colorado Springs can be influenced by the type of employer, with academic medical centers offering valuable experience in diverse case types, including pediatrics and cardiac surgery. Large hospital systems frequently run structured transition-to-practice programs that help enhance the skills of newly minted CRNAs. Additionally, outpatient surgery centers attract new graduates interested in a lifestyle-focused career with fewer on-call responsibilities. Obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing and gaining NBCRNA certification are essential credentials for enhancing future earning potential. Continuing education, such as pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or advanced fellowships, can also expand job opportunities and raise starting salaries. As new CRNAs begin their careers, understanding the landscape of CRNA practice models, along with the potential for independent practice in opt-out states, will be crucial for targeting their professional goals and ensuring a strategic career path in the ever-evolving field of anesthesia.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
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 Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Colorado Springs 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