Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $148,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $148,982 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $155,514 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($222,645) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nurse anesthesia in Rawlins, Wyoming, can anticipate a starting salary around $148,982. This sum reflects the entry-level pay for nurse anesthetists, creating a notable gap to the median annual salary of $222,645 for the city. For those beginning their careers, expectations should align with an upward trajectory as they progress, with potential earnings moving towards the 25th percentile figure of $194,960 within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.20%, Rawlins appears to be a viable market for new graduates seeking opportunities, allowing them to build experience while gradually increasing their earning potential.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Rawlins, WY typically start between $148,982 and $194,960 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $160,396 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $222,645 — 10.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $90,000 represents just 60.41% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($148,982/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $148,982 to $194,960, 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $160,396 ( 107.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $148,982, experienced hygienists can earn up to $309,378.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$116,286
2025 BLS Actual
$141,618
2026 Current Est.
$148,982
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,286 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,237 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,729 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $116,286 in 2019 to $141,618 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $156,729. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Employers in Rawlins include various healthcare entities that are open to hiring early-career nurse anesthetists. Academic medical centers typically provide a diversity of cases, offering significant exposure to complex procedures that new grads may find appealing. Large hospital systems may also have formal CRNA transition-to-practice programs, aiding in skill development during the crucial early years. Obtaining a state CRNA license and NBCRNA certification is essential, and ongoing professional education options—such as fellowships in specialized fields or pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—can enhance marketability and starting compensation. For those navigating their initial years, understanding the practice environment is critical; while many states employ the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model, Rawlins may present opportunities for independent practice, especially in opt-out states. Realistic salary growth expectations in this region suggest a steady increase as new graduates gain experience and credentials.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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