Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Augusta, ME: $322,573 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Augusta, ME — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $322,573/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $323,868 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$322,573
Top 10% Earn
$155.09/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$287,462
75th Percentile
$322,573
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Augusta, Maine, the potential for nurse anesthetists is substantial, particularly for those with significant experience. Experienced professionals can expect a median annual salary of $233,760 in 2026, while those who reach the upper echelons with the highest earnings can command impressive figures—up to $322,573 at the 90th percentile. This represents a notable gap, demonstrating the considerable experience premium attached to this specialty. Achieving this level of compensation often requires a combination of advanced clinical skills, specialty certifications, and leadership roles within their respective workplaces. As the demand for skilled nurse anesthetists grows, particularly in diverse anesthesiology practice areas, committed CRNAs can strategically position themselves for top nurse anesthetist salary in Augusta.

About the Augusta Market

Salary estimated from Maine average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Augusta. The median salary is $233,760, compared to the national median of $248,893.$151.2K$198.1K$245.0K$291.8K$338.7K$168.0K10th Pctl$212.4K25th Pctl$233.8KMedian$287.5K75th Pctl$322.6K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $287,462 and $322,573 per year (2026 est.). This $154,535 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $233,760 sits 6.08% below the US median.

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

Top CRNA Salary Comparison

LevelAugustaNational
Median (P50)$233,760$248,893
75th Percentile$287,462$309,656
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$322,573$357,154

In Augusta, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 37.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Augusta

1

Advanced Certifications in Maine

ME nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $233,760 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $287,462–$322,573 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta 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 Augusta 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 Maine 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 Augusta

Clinical Nurse Anesthetist

0-5 years
$168,038 – $233,760

Senior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist

5-10 years
$233,760 – $287,462

Nurse Anesthetist Department Manager

10+ years
$287,462+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Augusta ranks #5 of 10 Maine cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $322,573).

Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Augusta ($322,573) is 6.39% below the Maine average P90 ($344,585).

2024 BLS Actual

$242,248

2025 BLS Actual

$306,628

2026 Current Est.

$322,573

2024–2027 Growth

+40.1%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Augusta (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 Augusta. Baseline $242,248 in 2025, projected to $339,346 by 2027.$222.8K$256.8K$290.8K$324.8K$358.8K20242025202620272025 BLS$242.2K$306.6K$322.6K$339.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2024$242,248Actual
2025$306,628Actual
2026(current)$322,573Estimated
2027$339,346Projected

Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow 26.6% from $242,248 in 2024 to $306,628 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 $339,346 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20242025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta

Compensation for senior nurse anesthetists in Augusta varies widely depending on various factors, including specialization and employment setting. For instance, those focusing on areas such as pediatric anesthesia, OB anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, and regional anesthesia often see higher pay compared to their peers. Compensation also shifts based on whether CRNAs are employed by hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, or independent anesthesia groups, with many top earners finding advantage as partners in CRNA-owned practices. Advancing to leadership roles—such as lead CRNA or department director—can further enhance earnings. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, like NBCRNA certification and potential fellowship training, can effectively boost pay rates. Beyond salary, senior professionals must also consider factors like call coverage rotations, OR efficiency bonuses, and potential partnership profit distributions that play significant roles in total compensation in the state’s anesthetic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning nurse anesthetists in Augusta (90th percentile) make $322,573/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is $88,813 more than the area median of $233,760 — 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 Augusta?

Higher nurse anesthetist pay in Augusta 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 Augusta?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for nurse anesthetists in Augusta include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $233,760, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Augusta?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Augusta is $322,573, 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 Augusta?

In Augusta, the gap between entry level ($168,038) and top earners ($322,573) is $154,535, 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 Maine

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 $306,628 for nurse anesthetists in the Augusta 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 Augusta 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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