Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $141,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $141,129 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $164,678 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($203,518) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, can expect to start their careers with an annual salary around $141,129 in 2026. This initial pay level represents a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary in Hattiesburg of $203,518. However, there is a growth trajectory that offers the potential for earnings in the range of $181,761 to eventually reach the median within the first three to five years of practice. Given the projected 5.20% annual growth rate in salaries, the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in Hattiesburg is still competitive, especially considering the relatively low cost of living in the area, making it an appealing market for new graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $141,129 and $181,761 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $140,462 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $203,518 — 18.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 46.06% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($141,129/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $141,129 to $181,761, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average 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 Hattiesburg is $140,462 ( 99.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $141,129, experienced hygienists can earn up to $281,591.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$110,157
2025 BLS Actual
$134,153
2026 Current Est.
$141,129
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,765 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,319 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,958 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,087 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,468 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $110,157 in 2019 to $134,153 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $148,468. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Employers in Hattiesburg that are likely to hire entry-level nurse anesthetists include local hospitals and larger healthcare systems, where structured transition-to-practice programs provide essential support for new grads. Academic medical centers often offer varied case experiences that are highly beneficial early on. Certifications such as state licensure for CRNAs and the NBCRNA credential, with its ongoing continuing education requirements, can also positively influence starting pay in Mississippi. New graduates may also consider pursuing optional fellowships or advanced degrees like the DNP or DNAP to further enhance their career prospects. In the first few years, they should strategize toward increasing their clinical exposure and consider employment models that offer independence, as CRNAs can practice autonomously in 19 federal opt-out states. Realistic salary advancements in this market indicate promising growth, as new graduates transition to more established roles within their first three years.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Hattiesburg in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Hattiesburg?
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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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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