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 102.6 — 3% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Albany
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 $257,694 — 3.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,722 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,416 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 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.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Albany in 2026?
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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 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).
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