Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Wellington, FL: $149,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Wellington, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $149,793 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wellington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $148,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($220,760) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduate nurse anesthetists can expect a starting salary around $149,793 in Wellington, FL. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for this profession, which has a median annual salary of $220,760 in the same area. For newly minted CRNAs, this starting pay indicates a significant gap, but it also lays a realistic foundation for growth as they progress into their careers. With a projected growth rate of 5.20% annually, entry-level anesthetists can anticipate their salaries rising to approximately $195,112 within the first few years. Given these figures, the current market in Wellington appears quite amenable for new grads looking to establish themselves, particularly if they exhibit flexibility in their job search.
About the Wellington Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wellington
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 Wellington
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Wellington, FL typically start between $149,793 and $195,112 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $174,780 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $220,760 — 11.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Florida of $80,000 represents just 53.41% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($149,793/year) in Wellington. 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 Wellington
- 1Research the Wellington market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $149,793 to $195,112, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wellington, 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 Wellington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wellington'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 Wellington is $174,780 ( 116.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $149,793, experienced hygienists can earn up to $324,573.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$116,919
2025 BLS Actual
$142,389
2026 Current Est.
$149,793
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Wellington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,872 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,918 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,952 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,966 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,582 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Wellington, FL grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $116,919 in 2019 to $142,389 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $157,582. New graduates entering the Wellington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wellington 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 Wellington
Employers in Wellington that actively seek new graduates include local academic medical centers, which offer a diverse case mix including specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large hospital systems often host structured transition-to-practice programs that help new CRNAs build their expertise in a supportive environment. Outpatient surgery centers are also increasingly popular among those seeking a lifestyle-focused career without the burden of night shifts or call responsibilities. For those entering the field, obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing, along with achieving NBCRNA certification, are crucial first steps toward enhancing starting pay. Opportunities for continuing education, such as an optional 12-month fellowship in specialized areas of anesthesia and pursuing terminal degrees like DNP or DNAP, can further bolster career prospects. Realistic expectations in salary growth for the first few years involve gradual increases, as new CRNAs navigate either the independent practice opportunities available in certain states or the Anesthesia Care Team model that necessitates collaborative work under medical direction.
More salary data for Wellington, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Wellington in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Wellington?
Is nursing school worth it in Wellington?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Wellington?
How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Florida?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Wellington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wellington 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