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 85.7 — 14% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Madison
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 $210,386 — 15.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,557 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,133 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,920 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 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.
More salary data for Madison, 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 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).
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