Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Collinsville, IL: $154,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $154,183 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $158,788 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($236,329) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Collinsville, Illinois, can expect to see starting salaries that reflect the nuances of the local market. With an entry-level salary of approximately $154,183 in 2026, new CRNAs may find themselves initially earning below the city's median annual salary of $236,329. However, there is a clear upward trajectory in potential earnings, with many new professionals likely moving towards the P25 level of $203,670 within three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.20%, Collinsville presents a favorable opportunity for new graduates keen to establish their careers in a market that is becoming increasingly supportive of nurse anesthetists.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
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 Collinsville
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Collinsville, IL typically start between $154,183 and $203,670 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $170,055 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $236,329 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Illinois of $100,000 represents just 64.86% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($154,183/year) in Collinsville. 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 Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $154,183 to $203,670, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Collinsville, 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 Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville'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 Collinsville is $170,055 ( 110.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $154,183, experienced hygienists can earn up to $324,238.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$120,346
2025 BLS Actual
$146,562
2026 Current Est.
$154,183
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,473 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,562 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,201 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $120,346 in 2019 to $146,562 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $162,201. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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 Collinsville
In Collinsville, several key employers actively seek new graduates, making for a promising environment for those just starting out. Academic medical centers typically hire CRNAs and offer exposure to a diverse case mix, while large hospital systems often provide structured transition-to-practice programs designed for recent graduates. Outpatient surgery centers, which focus on lifestyle-friendly employment without the pressures of on-call duties, are also appealing to new grad nurse anesthetists in Illinois. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, obtaining a CRNA license and pursuing NBCRNA certification are essential. Additionally, completing a fellowship or advancing to a DNP or DNAP degree can set candidates apart in a field where independent practice is increasingly prevalent, particularly in the 19 federal opt-out states. For those early in their careers, realistic expectations for salary advancement in the initial years hinge on taking these strategic steps, enhancing both practice autonomy and earning potential.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
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 Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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