Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Menomonie, WI: $181,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $181,938 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $194,794 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($269,319) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Menomonie, Wisconsin, the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary presents a compelling opportunity for new graduates in the field. The anticipated starting pay for 2026 stands at $181,938, which may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $269,319, indicating a significant gap for early-career professionals. However, aspiring CRNAs should take heart, as this entry-level figure sits on a promising growth trajectory that allows for considerable salary advancements. With experience, new nurse anesthetists can expect their pay to progress toward the P25 figure of $236,230 within the first few years. Current projections make Menomonie an attractive job market, as it offers clear pathways for financial improvement for newly minted graduates embarking on their careers.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Menomonie, WI typically start between $181,938 and $236,230 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $176,823 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $269,319 — 8.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $100,000 represents just 54.96% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($181,938/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $181,938 to $236,230, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $176,823 ( 97.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $181,938, experienced hygienists can earn up to $358,761.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$142,010
2025 BLS Actual
$172,945
2026 Current Est.
$181,938
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,945 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $191,399 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $142,010 in 2019 to $172,945 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $191,399. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Employers in Menomonie that actively recruit new grad nurse anesthetists include local hospital systems, which typically offer structured transition-to-practice programs. These programs provide invaluable exposure to varied specialties, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. For new graduates keen on a lifestyle-focused practice, outpatient surgery centers serve as excellent options due to their minimal on-call responsibilities. To enhance their earning potential and employability, new CRNAs should prioritize obtaining their CRNA license through the state board of nursing and seek NBCRNA certification. Engaging in optional fellowships or pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can further set them apart in the competitive landscape. Given that CRNAs enjoy independent practice in 19 federal opt-out states, understanding the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent in Wisconsin can also guide their career strategies. Realistic expectations for salary progression within the first three years suggest that diligent professionals can anticipate substantial growth, tapping into Menomonie's evolving healthcare ecosystem.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Menomonie in 2026?
How fast do nurse anesthetist salaries grow in Menomonie?
Is nursing school worth it in Menomonie?
What do new nurse anesthetists make right out of school in Menomonie?
How do I become a nurse anesthetist in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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