Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Jacksonville, NC: $150,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Jacksonville, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $150,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $160,911 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($233,881) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, NC, the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary can begin around $150,613 in 2026, which sets a clear baseline for new graduates entering this field. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $233,881, it represents a realistic expectation for newly-certified CRNAs as they transition into the workforce. Over the first three to five years, new graduates can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience, with the potential to reach around $200,467 by their third year. Given the 5.20% annual growth projection, Jacksonville is currently an appealing market for those embarking on a career in nurse anesthesia, providing ample opportunities for advancement and competitive pay as they establish their practice.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Jacksonville, NC typically start between $150,613 and $200,467 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $174,915 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $233,881 — 6.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $85,000 represents just 56.44% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($150,613/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $150,613 to $200,467, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $174,915 ( 116.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $150,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $325,528.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$117,559
2025 BLS Actual
$143,168
2026 Current Est.
$150,613
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,445 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, NC grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $117,559 in 2019 to $143,168 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $158,445. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Various healthcare employers in Jacksonville primarily hire newly graduated nurse anesthetists, including large hospital systems and academic medical centers, which offer diverse clinical exposure. These institutions often provide orientation and transition-to-practice programs designed to support beginners as they acclimate to their roles. New graduates may benefit from pursuing credentials such as the CRNA license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the NBCRNA certification, which requires recertification every eight years through the CPC program. Additionally, elective fellowships can enhance training in specific areas like cardiac or pediatric anesthesia, allowing for accelerated skill development. In Jacksonville's market, first-year salaries may start modestly but can increase significantly within the first few years, especially for those engaged in outpatient settings or freelance CRNA-owned group practices that are gaining traction in opt-out states.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jacksonville 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