Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Durango, CO: $244,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Durango, CO earns a median $244,881/year (≈ $117.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $233,220 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a nurse anesthetist in Durango, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $244,881, just below the national median of $248,893. The salary range in the area is quite wide, spanning from $181,002 at the low end (10th percentile) to $335,009 at the high end (90th percentile). This variance reflects the local employment structure, as nurse anesthetists may choose between W-2 hospital positions or 1099 group practices. Hospitals typically offer stable salaries with benefits, while group practices may provide compensation that varies significantly based on the specific contractual arrangements and the nature of the employment. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for professionals considering their options in Durango’s healthcare market.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($220,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $181,002 | $87.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $226,118 | $108.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $244,881 | $117.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $290,290 | $139.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $335,009 | $161.06 |
Median Salary Position
1.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $154,007 (2026 est.). At $244,881, the local median is 1.61% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Durango median: $244,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $261,346 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -1.61% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Durango, CO earn a median of $244,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.61% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $261,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $244,881 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $233,220 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$171,973
2025 BLS Actual
$232,777
2026 Current Est.
$244,881
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $180,621 | Actual |
| 2021 | $192,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $199,817 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,777 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $244,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,615 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $171,973 (2019) to $232,777 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $257,615 by 2027 — a total increase of $85,642 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $181,002 – $226,118 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $226,118 – $244,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $244,881 – $290,290 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $290,290 – $335,009 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Durango
With only five nurse anesthetists currently employed in Durango, the job market is relatively small yet stable. The cost of living index stands at 105, meaning housing and other expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among the leading employers, larger hospital systems generally provide more competitive compensation packages compared to ambulatory surgery centers or local anesthesiology practices. Factors influencing salary disparities include varying call coverage responsibilities, weekend and holiday differentials, and performance bonuses. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing opportunities with hospitals that offer comprehensive benefits along with higher salaries would be advisable. Additionally, exploring partnerships in CRNA-owned groups can yield long-term financial benefits through profit-sharing and equity, especially in the current trend of expanding independent practices in states like Colorado.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Durango, CO in 2026?
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Durango?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted nurse anesthetist salary in Durango?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $232,777 for nurse anesthetistsin the Durango metropolitan area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durango 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