Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $177,008 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $177,008 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $189,516 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($275,778) within a few years of clinical practice.

$177,008
Starting Salary
$85.10/hr
Starting Hourly
$177,008
Entry Level
$275,778
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $177,008. This figure represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $275,778, indicating that while initial earnings may be modest, there is considerable room for financial growth. As new CRNAs gain experience, they can anticipate moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $252,317 in just a few years, with the potential for rapid advancement toward the median within the first three to five years of employment. The current job market in Sun Prairie appears favorable for fresh graduates, especially in light of a projected 5.20% growth rate for nurse anesthetist salaries over the next five years, making it an attractive destination for those entering the profession.

About the Sun Prairie Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$177,008/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$252,317/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$275,778/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$344,451/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Sun Prairie. The median salary is $275,778, compared to the national median of $248,893.$159.3K$222.2K$285.1K$347.9K$410.8K$177.0K10th Pctl$252.3K25th Pctl$275.8KMedian$344.5K75th Pctl$391.2K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $177,008 and $252,317 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $214,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $275,77810.8% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$100,000
Avg WI Program Cost
$177,008
Starting Salary
56.49%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $100,000 represents just 56.49% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($177,008/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie

  • 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $177,008 to $252,317, 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 Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie is $214,236 ( 121.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $177,008, experienced hygienists can earn up to $391,244.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$138,162

2025 BLS Actual

$168,259

2026 Current Est.

$177,008

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Sun Prairie (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 Sun Prairie. Baseline $138,162 in 2025, projected to $186,213 by 2027.$109.6K$131.9K$154.3K$176.6K$199.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$138.2K$145.2K$142.9K$155.9K$151.7K$122.3K$168.3K$177.0K$186.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$138,162Actual
2020$145,196Actual
2021$142,887Actual
2022$155,925Actual
2023$151,709Actual
2024$122,350Actual
2025$168,259Actual
2026(current)$177,008Estimated
2027$186,213Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $138,162 in 2019 to $168,259 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $186,213. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Sun Prairie eager to hire newly minted nurse anesthetists include local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. Many large hospital systems are known for offering extensive transition-to-practice programs that provide new CRNAs the chance to develop their skills in varied clinical settings, including complex surgical cases. To maximize starting pay in Wisconsin, candidates should focus on obtaining their CRNA license and becoming certified by the NBCRNA. Additionally, pursuing further education, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or completing fellowship programs in specialized anesthesia areas, can enhance long-term career prospects. In this evolving field, where CRNAs practice independently in 19 federal opt-out states, Sun Prairie new graduates should strategically map their first few years, recognizing that competitive environments exist both under the Anesthesia Care Team model and in practices that foster autonomy. Realistically, new graduates in this market can expect steady salary growth as they gain experience, potentially exceeding the median salary of their peers across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nurse anesthetists in Sun Prairie in 2026?

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Sun Prairie start at approximately $177,008/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 $85.10/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 Sun Prairie?

Most nurse anesthetists in Sun Prairie progress from the entry-level salary of $177,008 to the area median of $275,778 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $391,244 (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 Sun Prairie?

With a starting salary of $177,008/year in Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie?

New nursing graduates in Sun Prairie typically start near the 10th percentile at $177,008/year, or approximately $85.10/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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Sun Prairie 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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