Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Brookline, MA: $174,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Brookline, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $174,809 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookline's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $161,114 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($261,926) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the nurse anesthetist role in Brookline, Massachusetts, the entry-level prospects in 2026 present a starting salary of $174,809. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $261,926, this initial wage indicates a significant gap as new professionals establish themselves in the field. New nurse anesthetists can realistically expect to grow their earnings over the first few years, advancing from the entry-level pay to the 25th percentile, which stands at $229,107, within about three to five years. With Brookline’s current job market, marked by a robust healthcare sector, this community offers a favorable environment for newly minted CRNAs, making it an attractive option for those beginning their careers in anesthesia.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookline
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 Brookline
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brookline, MA typically start between $174,809 and $229,107 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $197,422 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $261,926 — 5.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $180,000 represents just 102.97% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($174,809/year) in Brookline. 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 Brookline
- 1Research the Brookline market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $174,809 to $229,107, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookline, 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 Brookline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookline'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 Brookline is $197,422 ( 112.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $174,809, experienced hygienists can earn up to $372,231.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$136,445
2025 BLS Actual
$166,168
2026 Current Est.
$174,809
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,988 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,824 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,814 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,899 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Brookline, MA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $136,445 in 2019 to $166,168 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $183,899. New graduates entering the Brookline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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 Brookline
In Brookline, several key employers that hire newly graduated nurse anesthetists include academic medical centers, which provide diverse exposure to various anesthesia cases such as cardiac, pediatric, and transplant. Additionally, large hospital systems often implement formal transition-to-practice programs that are beneficial for new grads looking to refine their skills. The CRNA license, granted by the state board of nursing, along with NBCRNA certification, lays the groundwork for candidates to maximize their starting nurse anesthetist pay in MA. Pursuing optional fellowships in specialty areas or attaining a DNP or DNAP can further enhance career advancement. Over the first three years, CRNAs in Brookline might see salary increases fueled by the demand for skilled practitioners, especially as they navigate through either the opt-out state practices or the Anesthesia Care Team model found in Massachusetts. Establishing a clear career strategy during these critical early years can set the foundation for long-term success in this vital healthcare field.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
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 Brookline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookline 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