Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Billings, MT: $340,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $340,092/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $353,526 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced nurse anesthetists in Billings, Montana, can expect a median annual salary of $237,994, with the potential for top earners reaching $340,092. This top-level compensation demonstrates a significant gap when compared to the median income, illustrating the financial rewards for those who advance their careers and specialize in high-demand areas within anesthesia. Achieving such a prime pay scale often requires not only experience—typically at least seven years—but also advanced training and specializations in fields like pediatric anesthesia or cardiac anesthesia. Moreover, those aiming for this level of income should consider impactful networking and alignment with leading healthcare institutions that value skilled practitioners in the evolving anesthesia landscape of Montana.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($218,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $295,939 and $340,092 per year (2026 est.). This $187,655 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $237,994 sits 4.38% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $237,994 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,939 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $340,092 | $357,154 |
In Billings, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 42.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $237,994 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $295,939–$340,092 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #1 of 7 Montana cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $340,092).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Billings ($340,092) is 3.09% above the Montana average P90 ($329,890).
2024 BLS Actual
$273,417
2025 BLS Actual
$323,281
2026 Current Est.
$340,092
2024–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Billings (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $273,417 | Actual |
| 2025 | $323,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $340,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $357,776 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 18.2% from $273,417 in 2024 to $323,281 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 $357,776 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
Advanced specializations such as obstetric anesthesia, regional nerve blocks, and chronic pain management can substantially raise earning potential in Billings. Senior nurse anesthetists often find that differences in pay can arise based on the employer type; while hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment, ambulatory surgery centers may provide versatile arrangements as W-2 or 1099. CRNA-owned group practices are increasingly attracting experienced anesthetists with partnership tracks that allow for profit-sharing, while locum tenens agencies offer flexibility but usually on a 1099 basis. Career advancement presents viable options, leading to roles such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director, particularly for those who further enhance their qualifications through certification like the NBCRNA. Moreover, various non-salary benefits—ranging from call coverage arrangements to productivity bonuses—can significantly influence overall compensation for senior nurse anesthetists in MT.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Billings?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Billings?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Billings?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Billings?
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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 $323,281 for nurse anesthetists in the Billings 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 Billings 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