Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $144,463 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $144,463 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 95.84% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $150,796 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($232,702) within a few years of clinical practice.

$144,463
Starting Salary
$69.45/hr
Starting Hourly
$144,463
Entry Level
$232,702
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Cheyenne, WY, the starting nurse anesthetist salary presents an opportunity that may be attractive despite initial earnings significantly lower than the median for the region. In 2026, entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $144,463, contrasting with the overall median salary of $232,702. This gap reflects a realistic trajectory for early-career CRNAs, as they can aim for gradual salary increases over the first five years, moving from the entry-level P10 threshold and progressing toward the P25 figure of $209,375. As the healthcare environment in Cheyenne continues to evolve, new grads may find the market favorable, given the projected growth of 5.20% and the demand for proficient CRNAs in diverse settings.

About the Cheyenne Market

Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$144,463/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$209,375/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$232,702/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$294,797/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Cheyenne. The median salary is $232,702, compared to the national median of $248,893.$130.0K$186.7K$243.4K$300.1K$356.8K$144.5K10th Pctl$209.4K25th Pctl$232.7KMedian$294.8K75th Pctl$339.8K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $144,463 and $209,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $195,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $232,7026.51% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$90,000
Avg WY Program Cost
$144,463
Starting Salary
62.30%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $90,000 represents just 62.30% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($144,463/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne

  • 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $144,463 to $209,375, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cheyenne's moderate 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 Cheyenne is $195,359 ( 135.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $144,463, experienced hygienists can earn up to $339,822.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$112,759

2025 BLS Actual

$137,322

2026 Current Est.

$144,463

2019–2027 Growth

+34.8%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Cheyenne (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 Cheyenne. Baseline $112,759 in 2025, projected to $151,975 by 2027.$104.9K$118.6K$132.4K$146.1K$159.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$112.8K$118.5K$116.6K$127.3K$123.8K$121.1K$137.3K$144.5K$152.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$112,759Actual
2020$118,499Actual
2021$116,615Actual
2022$127,256Actual
2023$123,815Actual
2024$121,091Actual
2025$137,322Actual
2026(current)$144,463Estimated
2027$151,975Projected

Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $112,759 in 2019 to $137,322 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $151,975. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Several healthcare facilities in Cheyenne are known to hire newly graduated anesthetists, including academic medical centers that offer broad clinical experiences, as well as larger hospital systems with established transition-to-practice programs for CRNAs. Additionally, outpatient surgery centers attract lifestyle-focused new grads who prefer settings that minimize on-call duties. In Wyoming, new nurses must secure their CRNA license through the state board of nursing and seek NBCRNA certification, which necessitates recertification every eight years. While optional fellowships can enhance one’s credentials, new practitioners should prioritize clinical practice. Engaging with professional organizations like AANA can provide networking opportunities and ongoing education, which are vital for advancing their careers and potentially increasing salaries over time, with realistic increments expected in the first few years as they gain experience in either the independent practice model or the Anesthesia Care Team model.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Cheyenne start at approximately $144,463/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 $69.45/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 Cheyenne?

Most nurse anesthetists in Cheyenne progress from the entry-level salary of $144,463 to the area median of $232,702 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $339,822 (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 Cheyenne?

With a starting salary of $144,463/year in Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne?

New nursing graduates in Cheyenne typically start near the 10th percentile at $144,463/year, or approximately $69.45/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 Wyoming?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Cheyenne 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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