Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $193,886 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $193,886 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $207,587 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($279,778) within a few years of clinical practice.

$193,886
Starting Salary
$93.22/hr
Starting Hourly
$193,886
Entry Level
$279,778
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new nurse anesthetists entering the field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the starting salary is projected to be around $193,886 in 2026. This figure highlights a significant gap compared to the overall median annual salary of $279,778, indicating that entry-level professionals can expect to work toward closing this gap as they gain experience. In the first few years, it is realistic for new grads to see their earnings grow from this entry point to around $250,094 as they advance toward the median, benefiting from a 5.20% annual growth trajectory for the profession. Given the upward movement and the relatively low average cost of living index of 93.4 in Oshkosh, this market currently presents a promising opportunity for new graduates, making it a viable starting point for their careers.

About the Oshkosh Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$193,886/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$250,094/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$279,778/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$341,703/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Oshkosh. The median salary is $279,778, compared to the national median of $248,893.$174.5K$232.9K$291.4K$349.8K$408.2K$193.9K10th Pctl$250.1K25th Pctl$279.8KMedian$341.7K75th Pctl$388.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $193,886 and $250,094 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $194,897 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $279,77812.41% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$100,000
Avg WI Program Cost
$193,886
Starting Salary
51.58%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $100,000 represents just 51.58% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($193,886/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh

  • 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $193,886 to $250,094, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $194,897 ( 100.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $193,886, experienced hygienists can earn up to $388,783.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$151,335

2025 BLS Actual

$184,302

2026 Current Est.

$193,886

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Oshkosh (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 Oshkosh. Baseline $151,335 in 2025, projected to $203,968 by 2027.$121.2K$145.3K$169.5K$193.6K$217.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$151.3K$159.0K$156.5K$170.8K$166.2K$135.0K$184.3K$193.9K$204.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$151,335Actual
2020$159,040Actual
2021$156,511Actual
2022$170,792Actual
2023$166,175Actual
2024$134,985Actual
2025$184,302Actual
2026(current)$193,886Estimated
2027$203,968Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $151,335 in 2019 to $184,302 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $203,968. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In the Oshkosh job market, various employers typically hire new graduates, with academic medical centers offering a broad case mix that is advantageous for early-career professionals seeking diverse clinical exposure. Large hospital systems often feature structured transition-to-practice programs that can help bridge the gap from graduation to independent practice. Credentials such as a CRNA license from the Wisconsin state board of nursing and NBCRNA certification are essential, with mandatory recertification every eight years through the CPC program. New grads might consider pursuing fellowships in specialized areas like cardiac or pediatric anesthesia, or even the DNP/DNAP degree to enhance their skills. Career strategies within the first few years should take into account the Anesthesia Care Team model prevalent in WI, especially as many CRNAs practice independently in opt-out states. Realistic salary growth expectations for new nurse anesthetists in Oshkosh suggest a gradual increase, with many individuals potentially achieving earnings that reflect closer proximity to the median salary as they build a robust clinical foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Oshkosh start at approximately $193,886/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 $93.21/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 Oshkosh?

Most nurse anesthetists in Oshkosh progress from the entry-level salary of $193,886 to the area median of $279,778 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $388,783 (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 Oshkosh?

With a starting salary of $193,886/year in Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh?

New nursing graduates in Oshkosh typically start near the 10th percentile at $193,886/year, or approximately $93.21/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 Wisconsin?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Oshkosh 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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