Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Northglenn, CO: $169,805 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Northglenn, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $169,805 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Northglenn's local price level (BEA RPP 105.05% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $161,719 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($247,890) within a few years of clinical practice.

$169,805
Starting Salary
$81.64/hr
Starting Hourly
$169,805
Entry Level
$247,890
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Entry Level Salary in Northglenn, CO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Northglenn, CO nurse anesthetist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Northglenn, Colorado, can expect a starting nurse anesthetist salary around $169,805 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, significantly below the median annual salary for the region, which stands at $247,890. The compensation trajectory is promising, as early-career professionals can anticipate moving toward the first quartile salary of $219,602 within their initial three to five years. Given the current economic climate and the projected 5.20% annual growth rate in this field, Northglenn presents an advantageous market for newly minted CRNAs seeking opportunities to establish their careers while conveniently accessing a range of employment options.

About the Northglenn Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Northglenn

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$169,805/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$219,602/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$247,890/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$307,603/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northglenn

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Northglenn. The median salary is $247,890, compared to the national median of $248,893.$152.8K$206.4K$260.0K$313.5K$367.1K$169.8K10th Pctl$219.6K25th Pctl$247.9KMedian$307.6K75th Pctl$349.6K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Northglenn, CO typically start between $169,805 and $219,602 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $179,798 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $247,8900.4% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$105,000
Avg CO Program Cost
$169,805
Starting Salary
61.84%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $105,000 represents just 61.84% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($169,805/year) in Northglenn. 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 Northglenn

  • 1Research the Northglenn market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $169,805 to $219,602, 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 Northglenn, 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 Northglenn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Northglenn'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 Northglenn is $179,798 ( 105.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $169,805, experienced hygienists can earn up to $349,603.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$132,540

2025 BLS Actual

$161,412

2026 Current Est.

$169,805

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Northglenn (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Northglenn. Baseline $132,540 in 2025, projected to $178,635 by 2027.$123.3K$139.5K$155.6K$171.7K$187.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$132.5K$139.3K$137.1K$149.6K$145.5K$140.7K$161.4K$169.8K$178.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$132,540Actual
2020$139,287Actual
2021$137,073Actual
2022$149,580Actual
2023$145,536Actual
2024$140,743Actual
2025$161,412Actual
2026(current)$169,805Estimated
2027$178,635Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Northglenn, CO grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $132,540 in 2019 to $161,412 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $178,635. New graduates entering the Northglenn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northglenn 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 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your nursing Career in Northglenn

In Northglenn, various employers actively recruit new graduate nurse anesthetists, though opportunities may vary depending on the facility type. Academic medical centers provide a rich case mix that can help new CRNAs gain exposure to diverse anesthesia techniques, including cardiac and pediatric cases. Additionally, larger hospital systems often run formal transition-to-practice programs, which are beneficial for recent graduates seeking structured mentorship. On the other hand, lifestyle-oriented positions at outpatient surgery centers, which typically do not involve on-call duties, may appeal to new graduates looking for a better work-life balance. Enhancing credentials through obtaining a CRNA license in Colorado from the state board of nursing and achieving NBCRNA certification can increase starting pay. Completing fellowships or earning a DNP or DNAP may also provide a competitive edge. In the first 1-3 years, CRNAs can strategically navigate their careers by leveraging the independence afforded in 19 federal opt-out states, including the expanding CRNA-owned group-practice model, which positions them for realistic salary growth as they gain experience in this complex landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Northglenn in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Northglenn start at approximately $169,805/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $81.64/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Northglenn?

Most nurse anesthetists in Northglenn progress from the entry-level salary of $169,805 to the area median of $247,890 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $349,603 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Northglenn?

With a starting salary of $169,805/year in Northglenn and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nurse anesthetists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Northglenn?

New nursing graduates in Northglenn typically start near the 10th percentile at $169,805/year, or approximately $81.64/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Colorado?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Colorado, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Colorado, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nurse anesthetists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Colorado

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

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 Northglenn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Northglenn 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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