Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $154,590 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the South Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $154,590 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $153,821 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($226,683) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Kingstown, Rhode Island, new nurse anesthetists can expect a starting salary of around $154,590 in 2026. Graduates entering the workforce at this level will notice a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $226,683, indicating that there is substantial room for growth in the early years of their careers. Over the first three to five years, as new professionals gain experience and take on more complex cases, they may move towards the P25 salary level of $201,013, reflecting a positive growth trajectory. Given the 5.20% annual growth rate projected for the job market, South Kingstown offers a viable opportunity for new graduates seeking positions as nurse anesthetists, making it a favorable location to launch their careers in 2026.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Kingstown
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 South Kingstown
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in South Kingstown, RI typically start between $154,590 and $201,013 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $165,421 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $226,683 — 8.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Rhode Island of $130,000 represents just 84.09% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($154,590/year) in South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown
- 1Research the South Kingstown market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $154,590 to $201,013, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Kingstown, 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 South Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Kingstown'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 South Kingstown is $165,421 ( 107.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $154,590, experienced hygienists can earn up to $320,011.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$120,664
2025 BLS Actual
$146,949
2026 Current Est.
$154,590
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,664 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,495 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,590 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,629 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in South Kingstown, RI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $120,664 in 2019 to $146,949 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $162,629. New graduates entering the South Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
Regarding employment opportunities for new CRNAs in South Kingstown, several healthcare facilities are known to welcome recent graduates. Academic medical centers provide a diverse range of cases, including pediatric and cardiac anesthesia, which can be particularly beneficial for gaining broad experience. Additionally, large hospital systems often implement formal transition-to-practice programs designed for new nurse anesthetists, facilitating their entry into the field. To enhance earning potential in RI, obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing and maintaining NBCRNA certification will be essential, punctuated by the necessity of recertification every eight years. Exploring optional fellowships and pursuing a DNP or DNAP may further elevate a new grad's standing in this competitive field. In the first three years, nurse anesthetists can anticipate gradual salary increases as they build their skills, contributing meaningfully to patient care within the Anesthesia Care Team model, prevalent in states that require medical direction.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
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 South Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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