Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $159,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Wake Forest, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $159,072 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wake Forest's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $169,949 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($229,457) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates beginning their careers as nurse anesthetists in Wake Forest, North Carolina can expect a starting salary around $159,072. This figure, while significant, represents an entry-level position that falls notably short of the city’s median annual salary of $229,457. For new grads, the salary trajectory shows potential for growth, as one might progress to $200,134 within a few years. Given that Wake Forest offers a supportive environment for healthcare professionals, including a growing demand for CRNAs, this market appears favorable for those just entering the field.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wake Forest
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 Wake Forest
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Wake Forest, NC typically start between $159,072 and $200,134 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $174,433 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $229,457 — 7.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $85,000 represents just 53.43% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($159,072/year) in Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest
- 1Research the Wake Forest market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $159,072 to $200,134, 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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest is $174,433 ( 109.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $159,072, experienced hygienists can earn up to $333,505.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$124,162
2025 BLS Actual
$151,209
2026 Current Est.
$159,072
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,408 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,326 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,344 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Wake Forest, NC grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $124,162 in 2019 to $151,209 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $167,344. New graduates entering the Wake Forest job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Analyzing the employment landscape, several healthcare facilities in Wake Forest hire entry-level nurse anesthetists, with academic medical centers typically offering a rich variety of cases from cardiac to pediatric anesthesia. Large hospital systems often provide structured transition-to-practice programs, which can significantly enhance the training experience for new graduates. Gaining a CRNA license and maintaining NBCRNA certification through ongoing education are essential steps to improve starting pay. Additionally, pursuing fellowship opportunities or a terminal degree may give an added advantage. The early career phase for CRNAs generally involves working within the Anesthesia Care Team model, particularly in states where supervision is required. For those starting in Wake Forest, realistic salary growth in the first few years could lead to more competitive wages, aligning closer to the upper range of starting salaries as experience and credentials develop.
More salary data for Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wake Forest 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