Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Payson, UT: $150,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $150,846 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $153,768 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($229,303) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Payson, UT, the landscape reflects both opportunities and challenges. The starting nurse anesthetist salary in this region is projected to be $150,846, which is significantly lower than the overall median annual salary of $229,303 for more experienced professionals. This gap leaves room for growth as new CRNAs transition into their roles, with potential earnings increasing to $212,369 at the 25th percentile over the first few years of practice. With a promising 5.20% annual growth rate expected in the coming years, Payson presents a viable market for newly licensed nurse anesthetists to begin their careers, even as their starting salary falls short compared to the national median of $248,893.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Payson, UT typically start between $150,846 and $212,369 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $150,127 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $229,303 — 7.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $95,000 represents just 62.98% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($150,846/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $150,846 to $212,369, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $150,127 ( 99.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $150,846, experienced hygienists can earn up to $300,973.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$117,741
2025 BLS Actual
$143,390
2026 Current Est.
$150,846
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,287 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,690 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $117,741 in 2019 to $143,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $158,690. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
Exploring the job market for new grad nurse anesthetists in Payson reveals a few key employers and strategies for career advancement. Academic medical centers in the area can provide a broad range of clinical experiences, which is advantageous for early-career professionals. Hospitals that run formal transition-to-practice programs can also be excellent options for recent graduates seeking mentorship and support. New grads should prioritize acquiring their CRNA licenses and consider additional certifications from the NBCRNA, which can enhance starting pay prospects. Fellowships in specialized areas like pediatric or cardiac anesthesia can create further opportunities. As CRNAs in Utah operate under varying models, primarily the Anesthesia Care Team model, understanding workplace dynamics is essential for early career strategies. Realistically, new nurse anesthetists can anticipate gradual salary increases as they accumulate experience and credentials, navigating their first few years with the potential to reach higher earnings through ongoing education and targeted career paths.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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