Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in St. Louis Park, MN: $160,497 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the St. Louis Park, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $160,497 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Louis Park's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $162,941 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($236,120) within a few years of clinical practice.

$160,497
Starting Salary
$77.16/hr
Starting Hourly
$160,497
Entry Level
$236,120
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

With new graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, the anticipated starting nurse anesthetist salary St. Louis Park for 2026 is projected at $160,497. While this figure is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $236,120, it represents a substantial starting point for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level nurse anesthetists have the potential to advance their salaries, moving toward the 25th percentile earning approximately $208,255. This trajectory, along with a growth rate of 5.20% annually, suggests a robust market for new grad nurse anesthetists in MN, making St. Louis Park an appealing option for recent graduates ready to embark on their careers.

About the St. Louis Park Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($240,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in St. Louis Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$160,497/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$208,255/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$236,120/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$292,105/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Louis Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in St. Louis Park. The median salary is $236,120, compared to the national median of $248,893.$144.4K$195.4K$246.3K$297.2K$348.1K$160.5K10th Pctl$208.3K25th Pctl$236.1KMedian$292.1K75th Pctl$331.5K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in St. Louis Park, MN typically start between $160,497 and $208,255 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $171,041 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $236,1205.13% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$110,000
Avg MN Program Cost
$160,497
Starting Salary
68.54%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $110,000 represents just 68.54% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($160,497/year) in St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park

  • 1Research the St. Louis Park market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $160,497 to $208,255, 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 St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5St. Louis Park'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 St. Louis Park is $171,041 ( 106.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $160,497, experienced hygienists can earn up to $331,538.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$125,274

2025 BLS Actual

$152,564

2026 Current Est.

$160,497

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in St. Louis Park (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 St. Louis Park. Baseline $125,274 in 2025, projected to $168,843 by 2027.$116.6K$131.8K$147.1K$162.3K$177.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$125.3K$131.7K$129.6K$141.4K$137.6K$145.0K$152.6K$160.5K$168.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$125,274Actual
2020$131,652Actual
2021$129,559Actual
2022$141,381Actual
2023$137,558Actual
2024$145,046Actual
2025$152,564Actual
2026(current)$160,497Estimated
2027$168,843Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in St. Louis Park, MN grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $125,274 in 2019 to $152,564 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $168,843. New graduates entering the St. Louis Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park

As new nurse anesthetists look to establish themselves in St. Louis Park, seeking out employers that are committed to hiring and developing entry-level professionals is essential. Academic medical centers offer the most comprehensive case variety, which is vital for acquiring diverse experiences in areas like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large hospital systems frequently run structured transition-to-practice programs that help bridge the gap from education to full autonomy. In terms of enhancing earning potential, obtaining a CRNA license and passing the NBCRNA certification is critical, alongside engaging in continuing education and any fellowships that could add value in specialized areas. For the first few years in practice, salary growth is generally positive, with newly licensed CRNAs projected to increase their incomes markedly as they gain experience and possibly shift between the Anesthesia Care Team model and independent practice settings depending on state regulations. The CRNA-owned group-practice model is also becoming more prevalent, providing new opportunities for career advancement in an expanding market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in St. Louis Park in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in St. Louis Park start at approximately $160,497/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 $77.16/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 St. Louis Park?

Most nurse anesthetists in St. Louis Park progress from the entry-level salary of $160,497 to the area median of $236,120 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $331,538 (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 St. Louis Park?

With a starting salary of $160,497/year in St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park?

New nursing graduates in St. Louis Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $160,497/year, or approximately $77.16/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 St. Louis Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for St. Louis Park 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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