Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $145,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $145,807 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $158,486 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($223,898) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking to enter the nurse anesthetist profession in Dickinson, North Dakota can expect an entry-level salary starting around $145,807. Although this figure may seem lower compared to the city median annual salary of $223,898, there is a promising upward trajectory for early-career professionals. Over the first few years, many can anticipate moving towards the 25th percentile, which is projected at $192,936, signaling positive salary growth as they accumulate experience and expertise. Given the growing demand for nurse anesthetists and a projected annual growth rate of 5.20%, Dickinson currently presents an encouraging market for new grad nurse anesthetist pay in ND, allowing early-career CRNAs to thrive as they gain invaluable skills.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Dickinson, ND typically start between $145,807 and $192,936 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $174,582 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $223,898 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Dakota of $90,000 represents just 61.73% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($145,807/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $145,807 to $192,936, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson'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 Dickinson is $174,582 ( 119.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $145,807, experienced hygienists can earn up to $320,389.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$113,808
2025 BLS Actual
$138,600
2026 Current Est.
$145,807
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,808 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,701 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,968 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,389 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $113,808 in 2019 to $138,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $153,389. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
For those entering this field, securing a position at one of Dickinson's healthcare institutions is key. Hospitals or medical centers that provide options for entry-level roles often offer structured transition-to-practice programs, which can be invaluable for new graduates. Additionally, obtaining a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) license through the North Dakota Board of Nursing and achieving NBCRNA certification will enhance earning potential. Continuing education, such as pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or undertaking specialized fellowships, can also lead to higher salaries. In the first three years, CRNAs can expect their salaries to grow steadily as they adapt to working in the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent in the state. This realistic growth, alongside the availability of diverse employment opportunities, positions new nurse anesthetists favorably in the Dickinson healthcare market.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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