Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Albany, OR: $167,696 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Albany, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $167,696 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 102.63% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $163,446 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($257,694) within a few years of clinical practice.

$167,696
Starting Salary
$80.63/hr
Starting Hourly
$167,696
Entry Level
$257,694
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Entry Level Salary in Albany, OR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Albany, OR nurse anesthetist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Albany, Oregon, can expect their starting salaries to fall around $167,696 annually in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $257,694, indicating a pronounced gap that early-career professionals may face as they transition from their educational programs into practice. However, over time, there are opportunities for salary growth: entry-level positions often pave the way to higher earnings as experience is gained and competencies expand. Within the first few years, one can realistically aspire to reach closer to the 25th percentile marker of $222,189, laying a solid groundwork for further advancement. Albany’s nursing market is currently growing, which provides a favorable environment for new graduates seeking opportunities in this burgeoning field.

About the Albany Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Albany

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$167,696/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$222,189/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$257,694/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$316,784/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Albany. The median salary is $257,694, compared to the national median of $248,893.$150.9K$207.7K$264.6K$321.4K$378.2K$167.7K10th Pctl$222.2K25th Pctl$257.7KMedian$316.8K75th Pctl$360.2K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Albany, OR typically start between $167,696 and $222,189 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $192,501 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $257,6943.54% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Albany metro area.

Return on Investment

$110,000
Avg OR Program Cost
$167,696
Starting Salary
65.59%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Oregon of $110,000 represents just 65.59% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($167,696/year) in Albany. 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 Albany

  • 1Research the Albany market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $167,696 to $222,189, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, 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 Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Albany'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 Albany is $192,501 ( 114.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $167,696, experienced hygienists can earn up to $360,197.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$130,893

2025 BLS Actual

$159,407

2026 Current Est.

$167,696

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Albany (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Albany. Baseline $130,893 in 2025, projected to $176,416 by 2027.$121.8K$137.7K$153.7K$169.6K$185.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$130.9K$137.6K$135.4K$147.7K$143.7K$148.3K$159.4K$167.7K$176.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$130,893Actual
2020$137,557Actual
2021$135,370Actual
2022$147,722Actual
2023$143,728Actual
2024$148,265Actual
2025$159,407Actual
2026(current)$167,696Estimated
2027$176,416Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, OR grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $130,893 in 2019 to $159,407 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $176,416. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Albany

For those embarking on a career as a nurse anesthetist, understanding the local job market is crucial. Albany hosts several key employers, including academic medical centers that appeal to new grads seeking diverse clinical experiences across various specialties such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large hospital systems also frequently offer formal transition-to-practice programs, creating structured learning environments for new entrants. Furthermore, obtaining the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) license through the Oregon State Board of Nursing and certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) can significantly enhance a new grad’s earning potential. Those considering additional qualifications, like a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or opportunities within fellowship programs, may further distinguish themselves in the competitive Albany market. It is essential for nurse anesthetists to strategize their first years of practice; understanding that in many states, including Oregon, they function as independent providers in an evolving healthcare landscape. Realistically, early-career salary trajectories should align with both local market demands and personal advancement goals, likely leading to increased earning potential as experience increases over their initial years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Albany in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Albany start at approximately $167,696/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $80.62/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Albany?

Most nurse anesthetists in Albany progress from the entry-level salary of $167,696 to the area median of $257,694 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $360,197 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Albany?

With a starting salary of $167,696/year in Albany and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nurse anesthetists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Albany?

New nursing graduates in Albany typically start near the 10th percentile at $167,696/year, or approximately $80.62/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Oregon?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Oregon, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oregon, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nurse anesthetists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oregon

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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 Albany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Albany is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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