Nurse Anesthetist Salary in University City, MO: $219,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in University City, MO earns a median $219,856/year (≈ $105.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $245,375 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, a nurse anesthetist salary in University City, MO, is projected to reach a median of $219,856. This figure places it approximately 11.67% lower than the national median of $248,893 for similar roles. The salary range for nurse anesthetists in this area spans from $146,193 at the 10th percentile to as high as $296,691 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a range of roles and experiences within the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local cost factors. In a market that operates primarily under the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model, the compensation landscape highlights the critical importance of understanding local practice dynamics and employer types in University City.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,193 | $70.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $191,682 | $92.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $219,856 | $105.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $269,906 | $129.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $296,691 | $142.64 |
Median Salary Position
11.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $150,498 (2026 est.). At $219,856, the local median is 11.67% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
University City median: $219,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $222,978 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | -11.67% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in University City, MO earn a median of $219,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.67% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $222,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A nurse anesthetist earning $219,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $245,375 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$154,399
2025 BLS Actual
$208,989
2026 Current Est.
$219,856
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $172,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $179,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,918 | Actual |
| 2025 | $208,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $219,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $231,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $154,399 (2019) to $208,989 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $231,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $76,890 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $146,193 – $191,682 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $191,682 – $219,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $219,856 – $269,906 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $269,906 – $296,691 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in University City
As of 2026, only six nurse anesthetists are employed in University City, indicating a tight job market for this specialty. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, the take-home purchasing power for nurse anesthetists is enhanced, making it feasible for practitioners to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Local employers vary in pay scales, with hospital systems typically offering competitive W-2 employment benefits, while ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices can provide unique financial advantages depending on their structure. Factors such as call coverage rotation, which can differ from one-in-five to one-in-eight, along with OR efficiency bonuses and profit sharing at group practices, significantly influence income variations. To maximize compensation, nurse anesthetists in University City should consider partnerships with CRNA-owned groups, leverage specialty areas, or explore locum tenens opportunities that might offer higher pay.
More salary data for University City, MO:
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
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 $208,989 for nurse anesthetistsin the University City 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 University City 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