Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Medford, MA: $185,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $185,675 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $171,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($266,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a nurse anesthetist in Medford, Massachusetts, the entry-level landscape appears favorable in 2026. New graduates can realistically expect an entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in Medford to begin around $185,675. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $266,845, it provides a solid foundation for growth within the profession. Over the initial years, starting salaries may rise steadily, reaching approximately $239,302 at the 25th percentile, with the potential for entry-level practitioners to eventually align closer to the median as they gain experience. Medford can be an appealing market for new grads, especially given the projected growth rate of 5.20% annually, indicating a promising future for those just starting on their path.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Medford, MA typically start between $185,675 and $239,302 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $202,683 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $266,845 — 7.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $180,000 represents just 96.94% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($185,675/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $185,675 to $239,302, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $202,683 ( 109.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $185,675, experienced hygienists can earn up to $388,358.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$144,926
2025 BLS Actual
$176,497
2026 Current Est.
$185,675
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,137 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,330 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $144,926 in 2019 to $176,497 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $195,330. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In terms of employment opportunities, various healthcare institutions in Medford look to hire newly minted CRNAs, particularly large hospital systems that offer formal transition-to-practice programs designed to support early-career professionals. Academic medical centers in the area often provide a diverse case mix, allowing new grad nurse anesthetists to gain valuable experience in settings like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Aiming for credentials that enhance starting pay can also be advantageous; obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing and achieving NBCRNA certification are essential steps, while optional fellowships and advanced degrees such as the DNP can further elevate one’s marketability. As entry-level CRNAs typically begin their careers under the Anesthesia Care Team model in Massachusets, understanding this structure and aligning with the expanding CRNA-owned group-practice model can offer strategic pathways for professional advancement. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations suggest that practitioners may move closer to the higher echelons of the local pay range as they refine their skills and deepen their expertise.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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