Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Winona, MN: $158,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $158,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $161,231 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($232,335) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduate nurse anesthetists entering the workforce in Winona, Minnesota, the starting nurse anesthetist salary is projected at around $158,813 in 2026. This figure represents a considerable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $232,335, signaling that while entry-level positions can provide a solid income, there is substantial room for growth as one gains experience. Over the initial three to five years, new CRNAs can expect their pay to rise from this baseline, with projections indicating a potential salary of $205,572 as they move toward the P25 threshold. Winona's market offers a good starting point for recent graduates, especially with a stable growth trajectory projected at 5.20% annually in the region.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($240,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Winona, MN typically start between $158,813 and $205,572 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $160,234 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $232,335 — 6.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $110,000 represents just 69.26% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($158,813/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $158,813 to $205,572, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $160,234 ( 100.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $158,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $319,047.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$123,960
2025 BLS Actual
$150,963
2026 Current Est.
$158,813
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,897 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,115 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,071 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $123,960 in 2019 to $150,963 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $167,071. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Within Winona, healthcare institutions, including academic medical centers and large hospital systems, typically hire nurse anesthetists, presenting ample opportunities for recent graduates. Many of these establishments offer formal transition-to-practice programs to help new CRNAs adapt and grow into their roles. Enhancing credentials, such as obtaining the CRNA license through the Minnesota Board of Nursing and attaining NBCRNA certification, can positively influence starting pay. Continuing education and optional fellowships also elevate career prospects. In the first few years, CRNAs may find diverse work environments due to varying regulatory frameworks; some states operate under an Anesthesia Care Team model, while others allow independent practice. Career advancement can lead to salary enhancement over time, reflecting the growing demand for expert nurse anesthetists in this evolving healthcare ecosystem.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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