Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $72,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Baltimore, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,262 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Baltimore's local price level (BEA RPP 104.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,159 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($228,936) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new grads looking to enter the nurse anesthetist role in Baltimore can anticipate an entry level nurse anesthetist salary Baltimore starting at approximately $72,262. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $228,936, it reflects realistic salary expectations for professionals just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, salaries can be expected to progress, with many new nurse anesthetists moving towards the P25 salary of $201,605 as they gain experience and refine their skills. Overall, Maryland provides a conducive job market for recent graduates due to the city’s expanding healthcare landscape, making it an opportune time for new professionals to begin their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Baltimore
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 Baltimore
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Baltimore, MD typically start between $72,262 and $201,605 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $270,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $228,936 — 8.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Maryland of $115,000 represents just 159.14% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($72,262/year) in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore
- 1Research the Baltimore market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $72,262 to $201,605, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Baltimore'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 Baltimore is $270,701 ( 374.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,262, experienced hygienists can earn up to $342,963.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,590
2025 BLS Actual
$68,690
2026 Current Est.
$72,262
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,332 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,019 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Baltimore, MD grew 15.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,590 in 2019 to $68,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,019. New graduates entering the Baltimore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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 Baltimore
Employers in Baltimore that frequently recruit new grad nurse anesthetists include major academic medical centers, which offer diverse case mixes and foster comprehensive learning experiences. Hospitals with formal CRNA transition-to-practice programs are also valuable starting points for new graduates seeking supportive environments for their career launch. Credentials effectively enhance starting pay in Maryland; obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing and securing NBCRNA certification are essential, with mandatory recertification every eight years. Those considering fellowships in specialties such as cardiac or pediatric anesthesia or aiming for a DNP or DNAP can further increase their marketability. For new grads, realistically assessing salary movement during their first three years will be vital, especially as the field’s growth is driven by the demand for CRNAs, who practice both in the Anesthesia Care Team model and independently in various states.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Baltimore in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Baltimore?
Is nursing school worth it in Baltimore?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Baltimore?
How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Maryland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Baltimore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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