Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $264,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Des Moines, WA earns a median $264,841/year (≈ $127.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $246,593 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nurse anesthetists in Des Moines, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $264,841, which represents a 6.41% increase compared to the national median of $248,893. The local salary range spans from $177,468 at the 10th percentile to $370,180 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant income variability based on factors such as employer type and work structuring. Most nurse anesthetists in Des Moines have the choice between W-2 employment in hospital systems—which generally provide stability and benefits—and flexibility as 1099 contractors in group practices. This decision can significantly impact overall compensation, with varying structures reflecting the unique demands of different work environments.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($245,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $177,468 | $85.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $232,528 | $111.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $264,841 | $127.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $326,609 | $157.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $370,180 | $177.97 |
Median Salary Position
6.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $192,712 (2026 est.). At $264,841, the local median is 6.41% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $264,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $267,246 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $248,893 | +6.41% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $264,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $267,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $264,841 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $246,593 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$185,990
2025 BLS Actual
$251,750
2026 Current Est.
$264,841
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $185,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $195,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $208,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $216,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $226,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $260,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $251,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $264,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $278,613 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $185,990 (2019) to $251,750 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $278,613 by 2027 — a total increase of $92,623 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $177,468 – $232,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $232,528 – $264,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $264,841 – $326,609 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $326,609 – $370,180 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Des Moines
Despite having only seven nurse anesthetists employed in the area, Des Moines offers a compelling job market, bolstered by a relatively high cost-of-living index of 107.4 that can affect purchasing power. Hospitals typically lead in compensation, along with ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned group practices that often provide competitive partnership tracks. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include call coverage rotation preferences, holiday differentials, and performance bonuses tied to operational efficiency. To maximize earnings, nurse anesthetists should consider negotiating for favorable call schedules and seek opportunities in high-volume settings or group practices that offer profit-sharing arrangements. Understanding the dynamics of local employers and the implications of W-2 versus 1099 status can provide nurse anesthetists in Des Moines, WA, with tangible strategies for enhancing their take-home income.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $251,750 for nurse anesthetistsin the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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