Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Woburn, MA: $177,251 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Woburn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $177,251 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woburn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $163,365 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($256,928) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduate nurse anesthetists entering the workforce in Woburn, Massachusetts can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $177,251, setting the stage for a substantial career ahead. Compared to the overall median salary of $256,928 for this role in the city, there is a considerable gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge as they progress in their careers. Over the first few years, growth is achievable—with salaries moving towards $222,825 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median. Given the projected growth rate of 5.20% annually for the profession, Woburn presents a promising market, making it an appealing destination for new nurse anesthetist graduates as they embark on their professional journeys.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woburn
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 Woburn
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Woburn, MA typically start between $177,251 and $222,825 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $177,481 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $256,928 — 3.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $180,000 represents just 101.55% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($177,251/year) in Woburn. 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 Woburn
- 1Research the Woburn market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $177,251 to $222,825, 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 Woburn, 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 Woburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woburn'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 Woburn is $177,481 ( 100.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $177,251, experienced hygienists can earn up to $354,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$138,352
2025 BLS Actual
$168,490
2026 Current Est.
$177,251
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $156,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,251 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $186,469 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Woburn, MA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $138,352 in 2019 to $168,490 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $186,469. New graduates entering the Woburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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 Woburn
In Woburn, several key employers actively seek entry-level nurse anesthetists, particularly academic medical centers that offer diverse case experiences across various specialties, such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. For those preferring outpatient settings, large hospital systems frequently provide structured transition-to-practice programs that facilitate smooth onboarding for new graduates. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, securing a CRNA license and obtaining NBCRNA certification are vital, along with participating in optional fellowships and considering an advanced terminal degree like a DNP or DNAP. Within the first three years of practice, realistic salary increases are expected as new CRNAs gain experience. It's also critical for career strategies to align with the operational models—understanding that CRNAs are licensed to practice independently in many states while working with anesthesiologists in others could influence job satisfaction and professional growth.
More salary data for Woburn, 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 Woburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woburn 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