Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Jackson, MS: $186,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $186,320 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $209,235 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($249,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly minted nurse anesthetists entering the workforce in Jackson, Mississippi, the starting nurse anesthetist salary is projected at approximately $186,320 in 2026. This figure may seem lower than the local median annual salary of $249,787, indicating that early-career positions might not reflect the full earning potential in this field. However, over the first few years, these professionals can expect to see steady growth, transitioning from entry-level salaries to align more closely with the median as they gain experience and expertise. Given the robust healthcare landscape in Jackson, which includes hospitals and surgical centers, this market represents a promising opportunity for new grads aiming to launch their careers in anesthesia.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Jackson, MS typically start between $186,320 and $186,320 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,370 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $249,787 — 0.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 34.89% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($186,320/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $186,320 to $186,320, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $101,370 ( 54.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $186,320, experienced hygienists can earn up to $287,690.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$145,430
2025 BLS Actual
$177,110
2026 Current Est.
$186,320
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $175,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $186,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,008 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $145,430 in 2019 to $177,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $196,008. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In Jackson, new graduates can find employment opportunities within academic medical centers and larger hospital systems that are known for hiring entry-level nurse anesthetists. These institutions often provide comprehensive transition-to-practice programs, allowing recent graduates to work in diverse settings, including outpatient surgery centers that may offer a more lifestyle-focused role. To enhance their starting pay, credentialing such as obtaining a CRNA license, NBCRNA certification, and engaging in continuing education through optional fellowships can be advantageous. Furthermore, within the first few years, professionals in this field can expect a growth trajectory in their salary as they develop their skills and possibly leverage the independence available in opt-out states like Mississippi. Considering that CRNAs can practice with considerable autonomy in specific models of care, strategic involvement in professional organizations like the AANA may also facilitate networking opportunities and career advancement for those just beginning their journey in nurse anesthesia.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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