Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Brunswick, ME: $164,465 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Brunswick, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $164,465 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 99.60% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $165,126 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($229,398) within a few years of clinical practice.

$164,465
Starting Salary
$79.07/hr
Starting Hourly
$164,465
Entry Level
$229,398
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates beginning their careers as nurse anesthetists in Brunswick, ME, the anticipated starting salary is projected at $164,465 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile of earnings and indicates a significant gap from the overall median nurse anesthetist salary in Brunswick, which is set at $229,398. Entry-level professionals can expect a gradual growth in their earnings trajectory, moving toward the 25th percentile at around $208,300 within the first three to five years. With these numbers in mind, Brunswick appears to be a moderately favorable market for newly minted nurse anesthetists, offering opportunities that align well with the state's demand for skilled anesthesia providers.

Looking to establish a successful career as a nurse anesthetist in Brunswick necessitates understanding the local employment landscape. Key employers like large hospital systems typically offer structured transition-to-practice programs that are ideal for new grads, while academic medical centers provide varied clinical experiences spanning cardiac, pediatrics, and transplant. Obtaining a CRNA license, coupled with national certification from NBCRNA, is essential for practice in Maine. Engaging in optional fellowships or pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) can further enhance earning potential. Understanding that CRNAs in Maine operate within the Anesthesia Care Team model, where they often work under medical direction, is essential for navigating the early years of practice. As one progresses in this field, they can realistically expect to see growth in their salaries, reflecting their responsibilities and specializations in the evolving anesthesia landscape.

About the Brunswick Market

Salary estimated from Maine average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$164,465/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$208,300/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$229,398/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$282,056/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brunswick

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Brunswick. The median salary is $229,398, compared to the national median of $248,893.$148.0K$193.9K$239.7K$285.6K$331.4K$164.5K10th Pctl$208.3K25th Pctl$229.4KMedian$282.1K75th Pctl$315.7K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brunswick, ME typically start between $164,465 and $208,300 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $151,192 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $229,3987.83% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$100,000
Avg ME Program Cost
$164,465
Starting Salary
60.80%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Maine of $100,000 represents just 60.80% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($164,465/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick

  • 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $164,465 to $208,300, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $151,192 ( 91.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $164,465, experienced hygienists can earn up to $315,657.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$128,372

2025 BLS Actual

$156,336

2026 Current Est.

$164,465

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brunswick (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 Brunswick. Baseline $128,372 in 2025, projected to $173,018 by 2027.$119.4K$135.1K$150.7K$166.3K$181.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$128.4K$134.9K$132.8K$144.9K$141.0K$130.2K$156.3K$164.5K$173.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$128,372Actual
2020$134,907Actual
2021$132,762Actual
2022$144,876Actual
2023$140,959Actual
2024$130,241Actual
2025$156,336Actual
2026(current)$164,465Estimated
2027$173,018Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, ME grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $128,372 in 2019 to $156,336 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $173,018. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brunswick start at approximately $164,465/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 $79.07/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 Brunswick?

Most nurse anesthetists in Brunswick progress from the entry-level salary of $164,465 to the area median of $229,398 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $315,657 (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 Brunswick?

With a starting salary of $164,465/year in Brunswick 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 Brunswick?

New nursing graduates in Brunswick typically start near the 10th percentile at $164,465/year, or approximately $79.07/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 Maine?

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

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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.

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Brunswick 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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