Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Derry, NH: $180,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $180,488 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $168,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($256,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Prospective new nurse anesthetists can expect a starting salary of approximately $180,488 in 2026 when entering the workforce in Derry, NH. This figure represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $256,325, indicating that early-career professionals will need to view this as an initial stepping stone rather than a final paycheck. However, as new graduates gain experience and expertise, they can anticipate a clear trajectory of growth, moving from their starting salaries to the 25th percentile figure of $230,697 within just a few years. For new grads, Derry offers a promising environment, especially given the continued demand for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and the projected 5.20% growth rate in the sector.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($230,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
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 Derry
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Derry, NH typically start between $180,488 and $230,697 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $186,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $256,325 — 2.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $140,000 represents just 77.57% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($180,488/year) in Derry. 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 Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $180,488 to $230,697, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derry, 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 Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry's moderate 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 Derry is $186,779 ( 103.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $180,488, experienced hygienists can earn up to $367,267.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$140,878
2025 BLS Actual
$171,567
2026 Current Est.
$180,488
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,878 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,874 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $140,878 in 2019 to $171,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $189,874. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
Employers in Derry that typically hire entry-level nurse anesthetists include academic medical centers and large hospital systems, which often provide formal transition-to-practice programs aimed at minimizing the challenges faced by new graduates. These organizations present a diverse range of cases, essential for building a strong foundational skill set. Credentialing plays an important role in helping new grads increase their earning potential; obtaining a CRNA license and NBCRNA certification is crucial, along with considering further education such as fellowships in specialty areas or pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Within the first few years, some CRNAs will see salary advancement influenced by the shift toward independent practice in opt-out states, which not only allows for expanded responsibilities but may also lead to higher pay as individuals establish their professional identities within a growing network of CRNAs.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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 Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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