Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Pueblo, CO: $170,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $170,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $162,810 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($262,779) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Pueblo, Colorado, the starting nurse anesthetist salary offers both a solid foundation and a promising trajectory. In 2026, entry-level salaries are projected to begin around $170,950, which is notably lower than the overall median salary for this profession in the city of $262,779, creating a gap that reflects the experience and responsibilities that grow over time. Early-career practitioners can expect salary increases as they gain hands-on experience, with potential earnings reaching $226,840 within the first few years, marking a significant upward trend. Given the city's growing healthcare landscape and increased demand for anesthesia services, Pueblo presents a favorable job market for newly minted certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) looking to establish their careers.
About the Pueblo Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Pueblo, CO typically start between $170,950 and $226,840 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $217,768 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $262,779 — 5.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $105,000 represents just 61.42% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($170,950/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $170,950 to $226,840, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo'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 Pueblo is $217,768 ( 127.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $170,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $388,718.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$133,433
2025 BLS Actual
$162,500
2026 Current Est.
$170,950
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $162,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,839 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $133,433 in 2019 to $162,500 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $179,839. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
In terms of employment opportunities, major healthcare employers in Pueblo often seek entry-level nurse anesthetists, especially large hospital systems which provide structured transition-to-practice programs tailored for fresh graduates. These programs typically expose new CRNAs to varied case mixes, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. To enhance earning potential and career growth, obtaining credentials such as the CRNA license through the state board of nursing and certification from NBCRNA is crucial. Early-career professionals should also consider pursuing optional fellowships in specialized areas like cardiac or pain management, and perhaps even a terminal degree like the DNP or DNAP. With realistic salary growth expectations, new grads can anticipate progressing through the salary ranges within the first three years of practice, often benefitting from the Anesthesia Care Team model that allows CRNAs to work effectively under varying levels of supervision. This supportive structure and access to diverse experiences will be instrumental as they build a robust career in the anesthetic field within CO.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pueblo 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