Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Burlington, IA: $292,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $292,664/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $323,743 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, experienced nurse anesthetists can expect to earn significant compensation reflective of their advanced expertise and responsibilities. The projected median annual salary for this role in 2026 is $216,042, but the potential for top earners is notably higher, with salaries reaching as much as $292,664. This makes Burlington's upper-tier pay potentially appealing, even though it remains approximately 13.20% lower than the national top earners’ median salary of $248,893. Achieving such high compensation typically requires over seven years of experience, specialized skill sets, and perhaps credentials that underscore competence in complex areas of anesthesia, thus contributing to a considerable income gap between median and top salaries.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($216,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $262,296 and $292,664 per year (2026 est.). This $143,246 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $216,042 sits 13.2% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $216,042 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $262,296 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $292,664 | $357,154 |
In Burlington, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 35.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $216,042 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $262,296–$292,664 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse anesthetists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse anesthetists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nurse Anesthetists in Iowa 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 Burlington
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $292,664).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Burlington ($292,664) is 8.39% below the Iowa average P90 ($319,464).
2024 BLS Actual
$225,547
2025 BLS Actual
$278,198
2026 Current Est.
$292,664
2024–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Burlington (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $225,547 | Actual |
| 2025 | $278,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $307,883 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 23.3% from $225,547 in 2024 to $278,198 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 $307,883 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Anesthetist Earnings in Burlington
Specialization plays a crucial role in determining senior nurse anesthetist pay in Burlington. Areas like pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, and chronic pain management command higher compensation due to the advanced skill sets they require. Differences in employer types also significantly impact salaries; CRNAs employed by large hospital systems may expect stable W-2 positions, while those in ambulatory surgery centers or CRNA-owned practices could have more variable pay structures, especially if they opt for partnership tracks or engage with locum tenens agencies. Career advancement options are abundant, with leadership roles such as chief CRNA or anesthesia group practice partner offering both recognition and enhanced compensation. Furthermore, advanced qualifications, including the DNP or specialized fellowships, further augment earning potential. Non-salary benefits also factor into the total compensation package, with call schedules, bonus structures, and profit-sharing opportunities providing additional financial incentives for CRNAs in this evolving field.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
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 $278,198 for nurse anesthetists in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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