Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $193,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $193,566 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $207,244 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($273,157) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the starting nurse anesthetist salary for new graduates in 2026 is estimated at around $193,566. While this figure is significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $273,157 for experienced practitioners, it reflects the initial compensation that new grads can expect as they begin their careers. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can anticipate a growth trajectory over the first few years, moving from this starting point towards the $246,751 milestone by the end of year three, and potentially achieving the median salary as they gain experience. Given the annual growth rate of 5.20%, Stevens Point currently presents a favorable job market for newly minted CRNAs, making it an attractive option for those entering the field.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($225,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $193,566 and $246,751 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $188,916 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $273,157 — 9.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $100,000 represents just 51.66% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($193,566/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $193,566 to $246,751, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $188,916 ( 97.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $193,566, experienced hygienists can earn up to $382,482.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$151,086
2025 BLS Actual
$183,998
2026 Current Est.
$193,566
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $151,086 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $156,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $165,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $183,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $193,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $203,631 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $151,086 in 2019 to $183,998 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $203,631. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Employers in Stevens Point offering positions for new graduate nurse anesthetists typically include larger hospital systems and academic medical centers. These institutions provide diverse case exposure, which can be vital for early-career development. New graduates may also seek opportunities in outpatient surgery centers, valued for their lifestyle benefits such as regular hours and no call requirements. Obtaining a CRNA license through the state board of nursing and achieving NBCRNA certification are foundational steps to enhance earning potential. Moreover, engaging in optional fellowships, such as those in cardiac or pediatric anesthesia, alongside pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can elevate pay and career prospects. With CRNAs practicing independently in over 19 federal opt-out states, the flexibility in practice settings further underscores the profession's potential for growth as CRNA-owned practice models gain traction. Expect salary growth in the range of 15% to 20% as one transitions from entry-level positions into more specialized roles within the first few years.
More salary data for Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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