Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Madison, MS: $133,954 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Madison, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $133,954 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 85.714% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $156,306 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($210,386) within a few years of clinical practice.

$133,954
Starting Salary
$64.40/hr
Starting Hourly
$133,954
Entry Level
$210,386
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Madison, Mississippi, can anticipate a starting salary around $133,954 in 2026. This entry-level position is somewhat lower than the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists in the area, which is projected at $210,386. The gap signifies that while initial compensation may not reflect the full potential earning capability of the profession, entry-level salaries do provide a clear growth trajectory. Those new to the field can expect to see salaries increase as they gain experience, moving on from the P10 mark through the P25 at $191,689 and eventually approaching the median within the first 3-5 years. The Madison job market presents viable opportunities for new graduates, making it a sound choice for starting their careers in nurse anesthesia.

About the Madison Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Madison

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$133,954/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$191,689/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$210,386/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$253,784/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Madison. The median salary is $210,386, compared to the national median of $248,893.$120.6K$165.2K$209.8K$254.4K$299.0K$134.0K10th Pctl$191.7K25th Pctl$210.4KMedian$253.8K75th Pctl$284.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Madison, MS typically start between $133,954 and $191,689 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $150,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $210,38615.47% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$65,000
Avg MS Program Cost
$133,954
Starting Salary
48.52%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 48.52% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($133,954/year) in Madison. 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 Madison

  • 1Research the Madison market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $133,954 to $191,689, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Madison'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 Madison is $150,807 ( 112.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $133,954, experienced hygienists can earn up to $284,761.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$104,557

2025 BLS Actual

$127,333

2026 Current Est.

$133,954

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Madison (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 Madison. Baseline $104,557 in 2025, projected to $140,920 by 2027.$95.3K$108.6K$121.9K$135.2K$148.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$104.6K$109.9K$108.1K$118.0K$114.8K$102.9K$127.3K$134.0K$140.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$104,557Actual
2020$109,880Actual
2021$108,133Actual
2022$117,999Actual
2023$114,809Actual
2024$102,936Actual
2025$127,333Actual
2026(current)$133,954Estimated
2027$140,920Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, MS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $104,557 in 2019 to $127,333 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $140,920. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison

In this region, a variety of employers are open to hiring new grad nurse anesthetists, including larger hospital systems that often implement formal transition-to-practice programs, as well as academic medical centers with diverse cases that allow early-career practitioners to gain valuable experience. Outpatient surgery centers may appeal to those prioritizing lifestyle factors, as they typically offer less demanding schedules without on-call obligations. New graduates must be prepared to obtain their CRNA licenses through the state board of nursing and pass the NBCRNA certification exam to maximize their earning potential. Further credentials, such as optional fellowships in specialty areas, can enhance early-career salaries in MS. Within their first few years, new CRNAs can expect salary growth that aligns with the broader market trends, allowing for compensation that becomes increasingly competitive as they navigate their professional development within the Anesthesia Care Team model or pursue independent practice in opt-out states.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Madison start at approximately $133,954/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 $64.40/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 Madison?

Most nurse anesthetists in Madison progress from the entry-level salary of $133,954 to the area median of $210,386 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $284,761 (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 Madison?

With a starting salary of $133,954/year in Madison 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 Madison?

New nursing graduates in Madison typically start near the 10th percentile at $133,954/year, or approximately $64.40/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 Mississippi?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Mississippi, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Mississippi, 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 Mississippi

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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Madison 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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