Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Oxford, MS: $141,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Oxford, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $141,091 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxford's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $164,634 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($203,501) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Oxford, Mississippi can expect a starting salary around $141,091. While this entry-level figure represents a considerable gap from the city's median annual salary of $203,501, it serves as a realistic benchmark for fresh graduates. Over the first few years of their careers, one can anticipate gradual salary progression—moving through the 25th percentile earnings of approximately $181,687 and eventually reaching closer to the median. Given the expected growth rate of 5.20% annually, Oxford appears to be a viable market for entry-level nurse anesthetists, particularly as local healthcare facilities seek to fill critical roles within their anesthesia departments.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxford
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 Oxford
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Oxford, MS typically start between $141,091 and $181,687 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $140,445 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $203,501 — 18.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 46.07% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($141,091/year) in Oxford. 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 Oxford
- 1Research the Oxford market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $141,091 to $181,687, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oxford'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 Oxford is $140,445 ( 99.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $141,091, experienced hygienists can earn up to $281,536.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$110,127
2025 BLS Actual
$134,117
2026 Current Est.
$141,091
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,926 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,428 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Oxford, MS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $110,127 in 2019 to $134,117 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $148,428. New graduates entering the Oxford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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 Oxford
As Oxford's healthcare landscape expands, various employers actively recruit entry-level nurse anesthetists. Academic medical centers provide a comprehensive mix of cases, allowing new grads to gain valuable experience in areas such as cardiac, pediatric, and transplant anesthesia. Large hospitals often offer formal transition-to-practice programs that can significantly enhance career development. Acquiring the CRNA license through the Mississippi Board of Nursing and achieving NBCRNA certification, which includes mandatory recertification every eight years, are essential steps for maximizing earning potential in MS. Additionally, pursuing fellowships in specialized areas or obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) can further elevate starting nurse anesthetist salaries in Oxford. In the first three years, salary growth may be steady, positioning new graduates to benefit from both the expansion of CRNA-owned practices and the increasing tendency of states to incorporate opt-out regulations, where CRNAs can practice independently without anesthesiologist supervision.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Oxford in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Oxford?
Is nursing school worth it in Oxford?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Oxford?
How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Oxford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oxford 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