Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Overland Park, KS: $141,999 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $141,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.99% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $156,215 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($229,941) within a few years of clinical practice.

$141,999
Starting Salary
$68.26/hr
Starting Hourly
$141,999
Entry Level
$229,941
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in Overland Park, Kansas is projected to start at around $141,999, providing new graduates with a starting point that falls short of the city's median annual salary of $229,941. This creates a significant gap for early-career professionals, with new graduates positioning themselves toward higher earning potential as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, expectations for salary growth are positive, with the possibility of reaching $192,744 as they progress through their early careers, driven by experience and expanded expertise. Given the competitive market for entry-level nurse anesthetists in Overland Park, it’s an encouraging time for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in this vital healthcare role.

About the Overland Park Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$141,999/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$192,744/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$229,941/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$286,572/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Overland Park. The median salary is $229,941, compared to the national median of $248,893.$127.8K$186.6K$245.4K$304.2K$363.1K$142.0K10th Pctl$192.7K25th Pctl$229.9KMedian$286.6K75th Pctl$345.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Overland Park, KS typically start between $141,999 and $192,744 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $203,771 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $229,9417.61% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$80,000
Avg KS Program Cost
$141,999
Starting Salary
56.34%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $80,000 represents just 56.34% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($141,999/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park

  • 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $141,999 to $192,744, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $203,771 ( 143.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $141,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $345,770.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$110,836

2025 BLS Actual

$134,980

2026 Current Est.

$141,999

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Overland Park (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 Overland Park. Baseline $110,836 in 2025, projected to $149,383 by 2027.$101.9K$115.8K$129.6K$143.5K$157.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$110.8K$116.5K$114.6K$125.1K$121.7K$109.8K$135.0K$142.0K$149.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$110,836Actual
2020$116,478Actual
2021$114,626Actual
2022$125,086Actual
2023$121,704Actual
2024$109,846Actual
2025$134,980Actual
2026(current)$141,999Estimated
2027$149,383Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $110,836 in 2019 to $134,980 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $149,383. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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 Overland Park

Employers in Overland Park that typically hire new grad nurse anesthetists include academic medical centers and large hospital systems, where opportunities abound for robust clinical experience. These institutions often implement formal transition-to-practice programs, which can be instrumental in easing new graduates into their roles. For those looking for a better lifestyle balance, outpatient surgery centers might be appealing as they often come with varied case loads and no call obligations. Gaining the necessary credentials, such as obtaining a CRNA license and NBCRNA certification, can enhance a nurse anesthetist's earning potential. Continued education, especially through fellowship programs in specialized areas like cardiac or pediatric anesthesia, as well as pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree, also plays a key role. Realistic expectations in terms of salary growth during the first one to three years in this profession suggest that diligent newcomers could expect increases aligned with the overall growth rate of 5.20%. Given the varying state models of practice, including the Anesthesia Care Team model routine in many regions, strategic career development can lead to fruitful opportunities and increasing responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Overland Park in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Overland Park start at approximately $141,999/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 $68.27/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 Overland Park?

Most nurse anesthetists in Overland Park progress from the entry-level salary of $141,999 to the area median of $229,941 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $345,770 (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 Overland Park?

With a starting salary of $141,999/year in Overland Park 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 Overland Park?

New nursing graduates in Overland Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $141,999/year, or approximately $68.27/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 Kansas?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Kansas, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Kansas, 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 Kansas

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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Overland Park 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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