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 93.4 — 7% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Oshkosh
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 $279,778 — 12.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $151,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $156,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,175 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,985 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $193,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,968 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 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.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
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 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).
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