Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Kennewick, WA: $165,282 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $165,282 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $153,894 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($265,199) within a few years of clinical practice.

$165,282
Starting Salary
$79.46/hr
Starting Hourly
$165,282
Entry Level
$265,199
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new nurse anesthetists entering the workforce in Kennewick, Washington, the 2026 starting nurse anesthetist salary is set at approximately $165,282. This figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $265,199, highlighting a gap that new graduates should be prepared to navigate during their initial years. Over a 3-5 year trajectory, entry-level CRNAs can anticipate gradual salary increases, with the 25th percentile wage of $239,099 offering a realistic benchmark for goal-setting. Given Kennewick’s favorable job market and a projected growth rate of 5.20% annually, new graduates may find promising opportunities in the region, reinforcing the idea that this city is a viable option for early-career professionals.

About the Kennewick Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($245,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$165,282/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$239,099/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$265,199/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$325,933/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennewick

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Kennewick. The median salary is $265,199, compared to the national median of $248,893.$148.8K$213.6K$278.5K$343.3K$408.2K$165.3K10th Pctl$239.1K25th Pctl$265.2KMedian$325.9K75th Pctl$388.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Kennewick, WA typically start between $165,282 and $239,099 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $223,481 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $265,1996.55% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$115,000
Avg WA Program Cost
$165,282
Starting Salary
69.58%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Washington of $115,000 represents just 69.58% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($165,282/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick

  • 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $165,282 to $239,099, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $223,481 ( 135.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $165,282, experienced hygienists can earn up to $388,763.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$129,009

2025 BLS Actual

$157,112

2026 Current Est.

$165,282

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Kennewick (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 Kennewick. Baseline $129,009 in 2025, projected to $173,876 by 2027.$120.0K$135.7K$151.4K$167.1K$182.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$129.0K$135.6K$133.4K$145.6K$141.7K$151.9K$157.1K$165.3K$173.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$129,009Actual
2020$135,577Actual
2021$133,421Actual
2022$145,596Actual
2023$141,659Actual
2024$151,890Actual
2025$157,112Actual
2026(current)$165,282Estimated
2027$173,876Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $129,009 in 2019 to $157,112 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $173,876. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick

In terms of employment opportunities, several key institutions in Kennewick are known to hire new graduates, providing various pathways to establish a career in anesthesiology. Academic medical centers often present a diverse array of cases, including pediatric and cardiac anesthesia, ideal for gaining broad clinical experience. Additionally, larger hospital systems frequently offer structured transition-to-practice programs that can ease the transition to professional practice. To enhance earning potential, it is beneficial for CRNAs to maintain relevant credentials, such as the CRNA license from the state board of nursing and NBCRNA certification, coupled with continuing education through optional fellowships. Those beginning their careers should strategically consider their practice settings, whether operating independently in one of the 19 federal opt-out states or within the Anesthesia Care Team model. Realistically, early salary growth can be expected to align with their experience, reflecting the region's demands and the long-term value of continued education and specialized training as they shape their professional identities in the evolving healthcare landscape of WA.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Kennewick start at approximately $165,282/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 $79.46/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 Kennewick?

Most nurse anesthetists in Kennewick progress from the entry-level salary of $165,282 to the area median of $265,199 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $388,763 (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 Kennewick?

With a starting salary of $165,282/year in Kennewick 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 Kennewick?

New nursing graduates in Kennewick typically start near the 10th percentile at $165,282/year, or approximately $79.46/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 Washington?

To become a licensed nurse anesthetist in Washington, you typically need master's degree in nurse anesthesia., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Washington, 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 Washington

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Kennewick 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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