Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $189,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $189,555 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $202,950 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($271,439) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the starting nurse anesthetist salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $189,555. This figure reflects the early-career pay and indicates that entry-level positions fall significantly below the overall median salary of $271,439 for nurse anesthetists in the area. However, there is a clear pathway for salary growth in the first few years, as many new graduates can expect to progress to the 25th percentile salary of $243,136 as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given this upward trajectory, new CRNAs will find Manitowoc to be a favorable market, especially considering the broader industry growth rate, which is anticipated to be 5.20% annually.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $189,555 and $243,136 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $187,909 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $271,439 — 9.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $100,000 represents just 52.76% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($189,555/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $189,555 to $243,136, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc's below-average 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 Manitowoc is $187,909 ( 99.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $189,555, experienced hygienists can earn up to $377,464.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$147,955
2025 BLS Actual
$180,185
2026 Current Est.
$189,555
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $155,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,977 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $180,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $189,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199,411 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $147,955 in 2019 to $180,185 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $199,411. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Employers in Manitowoc that typically hire entry-level anesthetists include academic medical centers, which offer diverse case exposures that can enhance the skill set of new grads. Additionally, established large hospital systems often provide formal transition-to-practice programs tailored for new CRNAs. For those seeking a lifestyle-centric position, outpatient surgery centers may present options with more predictable hours and no on-call duties. Entering the profession requires obtaining a CRNA license and participating in mandatory recertification every eight years through the NBCRNA. Options for enhancing credentials, such as fellowships in specialty areas or pursuing a DNP or DNAP degree, can further elevate starting wages. As CRNAs navigate their first years, they should strive to capitalize on opportunities for autonomy in opt-out states and align with expanding CRNA group practices to ensure robust career growth.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is nursing school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Manitowoc?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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