Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Bloomington, MN: $179,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $179,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $181,874 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($267,195) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bloomington, MN, the entry level nurse anesthetist salary is projected to start around $179,146 in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point, yet it establishes a gap compared to the city’s overall median salary of $267,195 for this role. New graduates can expect to progress through various salary thresholds over the initial years of their careers, moving toward the $228,689 mark within their first couple of years before potentially reaching the city’s median. Given the competitive landscape of salaries in Bloomington, new grads can find this market favorable, especially with a growth trajectory of 5.20% annually, allowing for increased earning potential as they gain experience and navigate their early careers.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($240,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Bloomington, MN typically start between $179,146 and $228,689 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $201,087 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $267,195 — 7.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $110,000 represents just 61.40% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($179,146/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $179,146 to $228,689, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $201,087 ( 112.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $179,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $380,233.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$139,831
2025 BLS Actual
$170,291
2026 Current Est.
$179,146
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $188,462 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $139,831 in 2019 to $170,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $188,462. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Prospective employers in Bloomington that typically hire new graduate nurse anesthetists include academic medical centers, known for providing a diverse range of clinical experiences. These institutions offer a well-rounded exposure to complex cases like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, which are beneficial for recent graduates. In addition, large hospital systems commonly run structured transition-to-practice programs aimed at helping new CRNAs acclimate to the demands of the profession. To further enhance their earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining their CRNA license through the state board of nursing and pursuing the necessary NBCRNA certification, which requires ongoing education and recertification every eight years. Exploring fellowships or obtaining a DNP or DNAP can also open doors to higher salaries. Realistically, early career CRNAs in Bloomington should anticipate salary growth throughout their first three years, especially if they consider the expanding opportunities within opt-out states where CRNAs can practice independently.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Bloomington in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Bloomington?
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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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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