Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Longmont, CO: $177,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Longmont, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $177,725 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longmont's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $169,262 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($257,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Longmont, Colorado, the starting nurse anesthetist salary for new graduates entering the field in 2026 is projected to be around $177,725. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $257,266, indicating that newly minted professionals will be starting their careers at a lower point in the earning spectrum. However, the progression from this entry-level pay through the first few years can be optimistic, with many eventually reaching the 25th percentile salary of $229,551 as they gain experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.20%, the Denver metropolitan area, which encompasses Longmont, represents a favorable market for new graduates, making it an attractive destination for those beginning their careers as nurse anesthetists in 2026.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longmont
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 Longmont
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Longmont, CO typically start between $177,725 and $229,551 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $195,416 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $257,266 — 3.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $105,000 represents just 59.08% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($177,725/year) in Longmont. 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 Longmont
- 1Research the Longmont market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $177,725 to $229,551, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longmont'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 Longmont is $195,416 ( 109.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $177,725, experienced hygienists can earn up to $373,141.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$138,721
2025 BLS Actual
$168,940
2026 Current Est.
$177,725
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $156,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,967 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Longmont, CO grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $138,721 in 2019 to $168,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $186,967. New graduates entering the Longmont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont 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 Longmont
Employers in Longmont that typically hire entry-level nurse anesthetists include major hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. Academic medical centers offer extensive case diversity, beneficial for new grads seeking to build their skills. Larger hospital systems often have structured transition-to-practice programs, providing mentorship and support for new nurse anesthetists. It’s essential for new graduates to establish their credentials, starting with obtaining their CRNA license and certification from the NBCRNA. Engaging in continuing education, such as optional fellowships in specialized areas like pain management, can enhance pay and career prospects significantly. Within their first years, initial salary growth is realistic with experience, making a clear focus on gaining diverse clinical exposure vital for those pursuing further independence as a CRNA in an opt-out state. This career trajectory can foster opportunities for higher earning potential in future roles, especially if one considers a shift towards CRNA-operated group practices, increasingly seen in states that opt out of supervision requirements.
More salary data for Longmont, 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 Longmont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longmont 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