Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

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 98.51% 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.

$179,146
Starting Salary
$86.13/hr
Starting Hourly
$179,146
Entry Level
$267,195
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Entry Level Salary in Bloomington, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bloomington, MN nurse anesthetist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$179,146/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$228,689/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$267,195/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$332,312/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Bloomington. The median salary is $267,195, compared to the national median of $248,893.$161.2K$220.7K$280.2K$339.7K$399.2K$179.1K10th Pctl$228.7K25th Pctl$267.2KMedian$332.3K75th Pctl$380.2K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

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 $267,1957.35% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Bloomington metro area.

Return on Investment

$110,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$179,146
Starting Salary
61.40%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Bloomington. Baseline $139,831 in 2025, projected to $188,462 by 2027.$130.1K$147.1K$164.1K$181.2K$198.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$139.8K$146.9K$144.6K$157.8K$153.5K$144.6K$170.3K$179.1K$188.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$139,831Actual
2020$146,949Actual
2021$144,613Actual
2022$157,808Actual
2023$153,542Actual
2024$144,617Actual
2025$170,291Actual
2026(current)$179,146Estimated
2027$188,462Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Bloomington in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Bloomington start at approximately $179,146/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $86.13/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Bloomington?

Most nurse anesthetists in Bloomington progress from the entry-level salary of $179,146 to the area median of $267,195 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $380,233 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Bloomington?

With a starting salary of $179,146/year in Bloomington and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nurse anesthetists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Bloomington?

New nursing graduates in Bloomington typically start near the 10th percentile at $179,146/year, or approximately $86.13/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Minnesota?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Minnesota, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Minnesota, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nurse anesthetists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Minnesota

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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