Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Medford, OR: $169,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $169,001 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $164,718 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($249,443) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates considering the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in Medford, Oregon, can anticipate starting salaries around $169,001. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median of $249,443, it serves as a strong foundation for career growth in the field. Over the first few years, new nurse anesthetists can expect a smooth transition in earning potential, with projections indicating that salaries could rise to approximately $220,272 as they gain experience. Medford represents a viable market for recent graduates, particularly given the employment rate and growth trajectory in the region, allowing newcomers to position themselves well within the healthcare landscape.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($235,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Medford, OR typically start between $169,001 and $220,272 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $197,423 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $249,443 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Oregon of $110,000 represents just 65.09% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($169,001/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $169,001 to $220,272, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $197,423 ( 116.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $169,001, experienced hygienists can earn up to $366,424.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$131,912
2025 BLS Actual
$160,647
2026 Current Est.
$169,001
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,627 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,789 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $131,912 in 2019 to $160,647 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $177,789. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In Medford, new grad nurse anesthetist pay is significantly influenced by the type of employers hiring within the region. Facilities such as academic medical centers typically present broader case varieties, enhancing skill development for fresh graduates. Large hospital systems often implement formal transition-to-practice programs that guide newcomers through the initial phases of their career, whereas outpatient surgery centers attract those seeking a lifestyle-oriented position with reduced on-call demands. To bolster starting salaries, credentials such as a CRNA license from the state board of nursing and NBCRNA certification with ongoing recertification every eight years are essential. Furthermore, pursuing fellowships in specialized areas or obtaining a terminal degree can further enhance earning prospects. With the profession’s distinct operating environments, including independent practice in many opt-out states, new CRNAs in Medford can reasonably expect their compensation to appreciate as they advance through the first three years of their careers, thereby aligning themselves for robust professional growth.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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