Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Rock Springs, WY: $157,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Rock Springs, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $157,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rock Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $164,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($220,755) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Springs, Wyoming, the starting nurse anesthetist salary is projected to be $157,156 in 2026. For new graduates entering this field, this figure represents just over 71% of the city’s median annual salary of $220,755. As early-career professionals gain experience, they can anticipate a progressive increase in their earnings, moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $199,643 within their initial years of practice. With the local job market leaning toward stability and growth—projected at a healthy annual rate of 5.20%—Rock Springs offers a promising environment for new grads. This outlook suggests that the area could serve as a valuable entry point into the profession, despite the entry-level pay being somewhat lower than the national median of $248,893.
About the Rock Springs Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rock Springs
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 Rock Springs
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Rock Springs, WY typically start between $157,156 and $199,643 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $145,512 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $220,755 — 11.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $90,000 represents just 57.27% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($157,156/year) in Rock Springs. 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 Rock Springs
- 1Research the Rock Springs market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $157,156 to $199,643, 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 Rock Springs, 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 Rock Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rock Springs'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 Rock Springs is $145,512 ( 92.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $157,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $302,668.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$122,667
2025 BLS Actual
$149,388
2026 Current Est.
$157,156
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Rock Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,667 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,328 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Rock Springs, WY grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $122,667 in 2019 to $149,388 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $165,328. New graduates entering the Rock Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs
Relationships with local healthcare employers can significantly enhance entry-level opportunities for new nurse anesthetists. In Rock Springs, hospitals and outpatient surgery centers often seek to hire recent graduates into various roles, including academic medical centers that offer diverse case experiences, such as pediatrics and cardiac anesthesia. Completing a CRNA program and obtaining state licensure through the Board of Nursing, along with NBCRNA certification, forms the basis for starting pay in this region. Pursuing additional training, such as a fellowship in specialty areas or obtaining a terminal degree like a DNP or DNAP, can further elevate salary potential. In the first three years of practice, CRNA graduates can expect to see incremental salary growth as they navigate their early careers, particularly in an opt-out state like Wyoming where CRNAs practice independently under less restrictive regulations. Engaging actively with AANA resources and exploring local transition-to-practice programs can provide a substantial foundation for developing expertise and navigating career advancements effectively in this evolving field.
More salary data for Rock Springs, 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 Rock Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rock Springs 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