Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

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 90.410% 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.

$148,207
Starting Salary
$71.25/hr
Starting Hourly
$148,207
Entry Level
$214,295
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Entry Level Salary in Marshalltown, IA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Marshalltown, IA nurse anesthetist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$148,207/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$186,122/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$214,295/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$262,633/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown. The median salary is $214,295, compared to the national median of $248,893.$133.4K$177.7K$222.0K$266.3K$310.6K$148.2K10th Pctl$186.1K25th Pctl$214.3KMedian$262.6K75th Pctl$295.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

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 $214,29513.9% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Marshalltown metro area.

Return on Investment

$95,000
Avg IA Program Cost
$148,207
Starting Salary
64.10%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown. Baseline $115,681 in 2025, projected to $155,914 by 2027.$107.6K$121.7K$135.8K$149.9K$164.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$115.7K$121.6K$119.6K$130.6K$127.0K$120.7K$140.9K$148.2K$155.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$115,681Actual
2020$121,571Actual
2021$119,638Actual
2022$130,554Actual
2023$127,024Actual
2024$120,683Actual
2025$140,881Actual
2026(current)$148,207Estimated
2027$155,914Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown start at approximately $148,207/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $71.25/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Marshalltown?

Most nurse anesthetists in Marshalltown progress from the entry-level salary of $148,207 to the area median of $214,295 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $295,771 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Marshalltown?

With a starting salary of $148,207/year in Marshalltown and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nurse anesthetists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Marshalltown?

New nursing graduates in Marshalltown typically start near the 10th percentile at $148,207/year, or approximately $71.25/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Iowa?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Iowa, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Iowa, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nurse anesthetists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Iowa

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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