Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $150,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Chillicothe, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $150,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chillicothe's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $165,615 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($228,341) 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 Chillicothe, Ohio, can expect starting salaries around $150,213. This figure represents a considerable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary for nurse anesthetists, which stands at $228,341. As early-career CRNAs gain experience, salary potential can increase significantly, with projections suggesting movement toward $212,201 after the first quarter of their career. For new grads drawn to Chillicothe, the current market is quite favorable, especially considering the projected 5.20% growth rate in this profession. This steady growth underscores a solid trajectory for recent nursing graduates eager to establish themselves in the field.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chillicothe
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 Chillicothe
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Chillicothe, OH typically start between $150,213 and $212,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $164,229 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $228,341 — 8.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $100,000 represents just 66.57% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($150,213/year) in Chillicothe. 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 Chillicothe
- 1Research the Chillicothe market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $150,213 to $212,201, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chillicothe, 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 Chillicothe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chillicothe'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 Chillicothe is $164,229 ( 109.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $150,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $314,442.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$117,247
2025 BLS Actual
$142,788
2026 Current Est.
$150,213
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,788 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,024 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Chillicothe, OH grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $117,247 in 2019 to $142,788 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $158,024. New graduates entering the Chillicothe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe
Employers in Chillicothe who actively hire new graduates typically include local hospitals and outpatient surgical centers, which may not require the demanding hours found in larger medical facilities. These settings provide vital experience and can serve as a launching point for broader career opportunities within anesthesia. Credentials such as a CRNA license from the state board and NBCRNA certification can enhance starting pay in Ohio and contribute to professional credibility. For those looking to build their careers, pursuing optional fellowships in specialized areas can also yield higher compensation. Given the diverse practice environments in Ohio and the transition-to-practice programs offered by larger systems, it is essential for new nurse anesthetists to strategically navigate their first few years, particularly in an ACT model state where supervision dynamics play a significant role in their professional development. This thoughtful approach can positively impact salary growth during those formative years.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
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 Chillicothe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chillicothe 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