Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $148,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $148,207 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $163,946 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($214,295) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Entry-level positions for nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown, Iowa project a starting pay of approximately $148,207 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $214,295 for the region, reflecting the typical trajectory for new graduates as they gain experience and advance in their careers. Over the first three to five years, fresh graduates may expect to see their salaries rise from this entry-level rate towards the 25th percentile, projected at $186,122, as they develop their skills and establish themselves in the field. Given that the city offers competitive salaries relative to state averages, Marshalltown remains a viable market for new nurse anesthetists eager to start their careers.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($216,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
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 Marshalltown
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $148,207 and $186,122 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $147,564 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $214,295 — 13.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $95,000 represents just 64.10% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($148,207/year) in Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $148,207 to $186,122, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown is $147,564 ( 99.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $148,207, experienced hygienists can earn up to $295,771.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$115,681
2025 BLS Actual
$140,881
2026 Current Est.
$148,207
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,571 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,914 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $115,681 in 2019 to $140,881 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $155,914. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Exploring employment opportunities, academic medical centers in Marshalltown are prime employers for recent graduates, providing a wide array of cases in settings such as pediatric or cardiac anesthesia, which are vital for honing skills early on. Candidates should consider joining large hospital systems that typically run structured transition-to-practice programs aimed at integrating new CRNAs into the workforce. Additionally, obtaining the CRNA license via the state board and pursuing NBCRNA certification can enhance starting salaries, as these credentials are essential for demonstrating competence. It's worth noting that additional training, such as 12-month fellowships in specialties like pain anesthesia or further education to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), can increase earning potential. In the first few years, salary growth is realistic, with ambitions to reach the median salaries and potentially engage in independent practice as Marshalltown's healthcare landscape evolves, reflective of trends across opt-out states where CRNAs work autonomously.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
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 Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown 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