Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $147,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Brookhaven, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $147,106 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookhaven's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $158,009 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($231,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brookhaven, Georgia, the projected starting nurse anesthetist salary for 2026 is estimated at $147,106, a figure that represents a significant gap when compared to the overall city median of $231,705. New graduates should keep in mind that while entry-level positions may seem modest, they provide a foundational starting point from which salaries can increase over time. By progressing through the 25th percentile salary of $197,201 within their first few years, new CRNAs can expect some upward mobility as they gain experience and further qualifications. Given the diverse healthcare landscape in Brookhaven, this city searches for fresh talent, making it a suitable market for aspiring nurse anesthetists to launch their careers.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookhaven
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 Brookhaven
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brookhaven, GA typically start between $147,106 and $197,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $195,486 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $231,705 — 6.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $85,000 represents just 57.78% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($147,106/year) in Brookhaven. 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 Brookhaven
- 1Research the Brookhaven market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $147,106 to $197,201, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookhaven's below-average 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 Brookhaven is $195,486 ( 132.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $147,106, experienced hygienists can earn up to $342,592.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,822
2025 BLS Actual
$139,835
2026 Current Est.
$147,106
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,081 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,756 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Brookhaven, GA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $114,822 in 2019 to $139,835 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $154,756. New graduates entering the Brookhaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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 Brookhaven
For new graduates seeking employment, several prominent healthcare institutions in Brookhaven are actively recruiting entry-level nurse anesthetists. Academic medical centers tend to provide varied clinical experiences across different specialties, such as cardiac or pediatric anesthesia, which can help new CRNAs build a well-rounded skill set. Additionally, large hospital systems often run formal transition-to-practice programs that facilitate the onboarding of new graduates. Credentials play a pivotal role in advancing starting pay in Georgia. Achieving a CRNA license through the state board of nursing, obtaining certification from the NBCRNA, and participating in optional fellowship programs can enhance career prospects significantly. Moreover, in states utilizing the Anesthesia Care Team model, new grads may find themselves working under experienced anesthesiologists, allowing for accelerated learning. As salary growth typically happens within the first few years, it’s important for new nurse anesthetists to strategically consider their options and potentially seek opportunities that lead to a quicker advancement in their earning potential.
More salary data for Brookhaven, GA:
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 Brookhaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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