Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Benton, AR: $291,463 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $291,463/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $335,400 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$291,463
Top 10% Earn
$140.13/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$258,442
75th Percentile
$291,463
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse Anesthetist Senior Salary in Benton, AR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Benton, AR nurse anesthetist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Benton, Arkansas, senior nurse anesthetists can command a remarkable salary, with top earners potentially earning as much as $291,463 in 2026. This is a significant jump from the median annual salary of $211,889, highlighting the considerable experience premium available in this region. When compared to the national market, where the median annual pay is projected at $248,893, the highest salaries in Benton fall short, but the local figures illustrate an attractive compensation potential for experienced professionals. Reaching the upper echelons of pay often requires years of practice, specialty training, and a strong professional network, reflecting both the skills developed over their careers and the unique demands of high-stakes anesthesia practices within the area.

About the Benton Market

Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($196,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Benton. The median salary is $211,889, compared to the national median of $248,893.$124.2K$169.7K$215.1K$260.6K$306.0K$138.0K10th Pctl$183.1K25th Pctl$211.9KMedian$258.4K75th Pctl$291.5K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $258,442 and $291,463 per year (2026 est.). This $153,476 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $211,889 sits 14.87% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nurse anesthetist pay in the Benton metro area.

Top CRNA Salary Comparison

LevelBentonNational
Median (P50)$211,889$248,893
75th Percentile$258,442$309,656
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$291,463$357,154

In Benton, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 37.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Benton

1

Advanced Certifications in Arkansas

AR nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $211,889 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $258,442–$291,463 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse anesthetists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured nurse anesthetists in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Nurse Anesthetist Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton

Clinical Nurse Anesthetist

0-5 years
$137,987 – $211,889

Senior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist

5-10 years
$211,889 – $258,442

Nurse Anesthetist Department Manager

10+ years
$258,442+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Benton ranks #15 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $291,463).

Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Benton ($291,463) is 5.15% below the Arkansas average P90 ($307,282).

2024 BLS Actual

$203,405

2025 BLS Actual

$277,056

2026 Current Est.

$291,463

2024–2027 Growth

+50.7%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Benton (20242027)

2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nurse anesthetists in Benton. Baseline $203,405 in 2025, projected to $306,619 by 2027.$182.8K$218.9K$255.0K$291.1K$327.3K20242025202620272025 BLS$203.4K$277.1K$291.5K$306.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2024$203,405Actual
2025$277,056Actual
2026(current)$291,463Estimated
2027$306,619Projected

Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 36.2% from $203,405 in 2024 to $277,056 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.20% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $306,619 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20242025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Maximizing Your Nurse Anesthetist Earnings in Benton

Compensation trends for experienced nurse anesthetists in Benton vary significantly based on specialization and employment settings. Areas such as pediatric anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, and chronic pain management frequently offer premium rates as facilities seek expertise for complex procedures. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and CRNA-owned practices each feature different compensation structures. Employment as a W-2 employee often provides a more standard salary model, while 1099 positions can yield variable annual pay depending on hours worked and patient load. Advanced credentials, like NBCRNA certification and additional fellowships, further enhance earning potential and career advancement opportunities. Leadership roles, such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director, invite higher salaries and additional benefits like call coverage differentials and productivity bonuses, motivating senior practitioners to pursue continuous professional development while capitalizing on the robust earnings potential within the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Benton in 2026?

Top-earning nurse anesthetists in Benton (90th percentile) make $291,463/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is $79,574 more than the area median of $211,889 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior nurse anesthetists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Benton?

Higher nurse anesthetist pay in Benton is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Benton?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for nurse anesthetists in Benton include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $211,889, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Benton?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Benton is $291,463, well above $100K. Nurse Anesthetists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Benton?

In Benton, the gap between entry level ($137,987) and top earners ($291,463) is $153,476, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Arkansas

AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $277,056 for nurse anesthetists in the Benton metro area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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