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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta 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 (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $242,248 | Actual |
| 2025 | $306,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $322,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $339,346 | Projected |
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 (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 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.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Augusta?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Augusta?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Augusta?
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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 $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).
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