Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Colorado: $249,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 32 metropolitan areas, the average median nurse anesthetist pay sits at $249,083/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1151. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $237,222 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Colorado Springs ($258,139), Arvada ($254,367), Thornton ($252,319).
In 2026, nurse anesthetists in Colorado earn an average median salary of $249,083, slightly above the national median of $248,893, reflecting a 0.1% increase compared to national figures. Colorado Springs tops the salary chart in the state at $271,562, while Aurora registers the lowest at $222,962, highlighting a salary gap of $48,600. This disparity can be attributed to varying demand for medical services, cost of living, and regional healthcare resources. Colorado has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that allow nurse anesthetists to operate autonomously in many settings, which enhances their earning potential. The state’s health care infrastructure is bolstered by a growing population and expanding medical facilities, leading to a projected annual growth rate of 5.20% for nurse anesthetist positions. Key cities like Arvada, Thornton, Westminster, and Pueblo also offer competitive salaries, with projections of $267,594, $265,440, $262,800, and $262,779 respectively. Overall, the job market for nurse anesthetists in Colorado appears strong, driven by ongoing demand and the advanced practice model that supports their essential role in delivering anesthesia care.
Colorado Nurse Anesthetist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $141,148 (lowest entry-level) to $420,551 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado nurse anesthetists earn 0.08% more than the national median (+$190/year difference).
Colorado Nurse Anesthetist Salary Distribution (2026)
Nurse Anesthetist salaries in Colorado range from $174,995 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $342,964 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $249,083. The Colorado median is $190 above the US national median of $248,893. The average hourly rate is $119.75/hr. Approximately 774 nurse anesthetists are employed across 32 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$184,810
2025 BLS Actual
$236,771
2026 Current Est.
$249,083
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $184,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $184,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,985 | Actual |
| 2022 | $177,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $199,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $224,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $236,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $249,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $262,036 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 28.1% from $184,810 (2019) to $236,771 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $262,036 by 2027 — a total increase of $77,226 (41.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Aurora | $222,962 |
| Denver | $227,968 |
| Centennial | $230,057 |
| Golden | $240,538 |
| Evans | $242,032 |
Best Value Cities for Nurse Anesthetists in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for nurse anesthetists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $271,562 | 105 | $258,630 |
| Arvada | $267,594 | 105 | $254,851 |
| Thornton | $265,440 | 105 | $252,800 |
| Westminster | $262,800 | 105 | $250,286 |
| Pueblo | $262,779 | 105 | $250,266 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $174,995 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $249,083 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $342,964 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 32 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Springs | $271,562 |
| 2 | Arvada | $267,594 |
| 3 | Thornton | $265,440 |
| 4 | Westminster | $262,800 |
| 5 | Pueblo | $262,779 |
| 6 | Boulder | $262,779 |
| 7 | Lakewood | $261,534 |
| 8 | Greeley | $259,401 |
| 9 | Parker | $259,046 |
| 10 | Fort Collins | $258,936 |
| 11 | Erie | $258,577 |
| 12 | Windsor | $257,929 |
| 13 | Castle Rock | $257,431 |
| 14 | Broomfield | $257,348 |
| 15 | Longmont | $257,266 |
| 16 | Englewood | $255,292 |
| 17 | Commerce City | $253,519 |
| 18 | Lafayette | $252,920 |
| 19 | Loveland | $252,525 |
| 20 | Wheat Ridge | $251,460 |
| 21 | Brighton | $249,107 |
| 22 | Littleton | $248,275 |
| 23 | Fountain | $248,134 |
| 24 | Northglenn | $247,890 |
| 25 | Steamboat Springs | $246,434 |
| 26 | Durango | $244,881 |
| 27 | Louisville | $243,446 |
| 28 | Evans | $242,032 |
| 29 | Golden | $240,538 |
| 30 | Centennial | $230,057 |
| 31 | Denver | $227,968 |
| 32 | Aurora | $222,962 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced nurse anesthetists.
Explore More Nurse Anesthetist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for nurse anesthetists in Colorado?
How does Colorado nurse anesthetist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level nurse anesthetist salary in Colorado?
How many nurse anesthetists are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for nurse anesthetists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 nurse anesthetist compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 32 metro areas — larger metro areas with more nurse anesthetistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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