Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $339,876 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $339,876/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $353,301 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$339,876
Top 10% Earn
$163.40/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$293,140
75th Percentile
$339,876
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Great Falls, Montana, the potential for senior nurse anesthetists to command high salaries is increasingly noteworthy. The projected 2026 salary range reveals an enticing landscape, with top earners (P90) reaching as high as $339,876 annually. This is a significant premium compared to the median salary of $230,191 for experienced nurse anesthetists in the area. Such disparities highlight the experience premium available to those who specialize and excel in more demanding areas of practice. Attaining top-tier pay in this market often requires not only extensive clinical experience but also strategic positioning within high-revenue specialties or leadership roles.

About the Great Falls Market

Salary estimated from Montana average ($218,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nurse anesthetists in Great Falls. The median salary is $230,191, compared to the national median of $248,893.$130.0K$186.7K$243.4K$300.2K$356.9K$144.5K10th Pctl$195.2K25th Pctl$230.2KMedian$293.1K75th Pctl$339.9K90th PctlUS Median$248.9K

Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $293,140 and $339,876 per year (2026 est.). This $195,410 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $230,191 sits 7.51% below the US median.

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

Top CRNA Salary Comparison

LevelGreat FallsNational
Median (P50)$230,191$248,893
75th Percentile$293,140$309,656
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$339,876$357,154

In Great Falls, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 47.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Great Falls

1

Advanced Certifications in Montana

MT nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $230,191 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $293,140–$339,876 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 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 Great Falls

Clinical Nurse Anesthetist

0-5 years
$144,466 – $230,191

Senior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist

5-10 years
$230,191 – $293,140

Nurse Anesthetist Department Manager

10+ years
$293,140+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Great Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $339,876).

Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Great Falls ($339,876) is 3.03% above the Montana average P90 ($329,890).

2024 BLS Actual

$275,064

2025 BLS Actual

$323,076

2026 Current Est.

$339,876

2024–2027 Growth

+30.0%

Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Great Falls (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 Great Falls. Baseline $275,064 in 2025, projected to $357,550 by 2027.$258.6K$287.4K$316.3K$345.2K$374.0K20242025202620272025 BLS$275.1K$323.1K$339.9K$357.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2024$275,064Actual
2025$323,076Actual
2026(current)$339,876Estimated
2027$357,550Projected

Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 17.5% from $275,064 in 2024 to $323,076 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 $357,550 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

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

When examining the senior nurse anesthetist pay in MT, various factors come into play that impact compensation. Specializations such as pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, and chronic pain management often see higher remuneration due to their complexity and the expertise required. Additionally, compensation structures vary significantly across employer types. For instance, CRNA groups offering partnership tracks can provide compelling profit distribution and clinical autonomy, while locum tenens arrangements, though potentially lucrative, often involve 1099 tax structuring—with its own advantages and challenges. Career advancement paths can lead to lead CRNA or department director positions, which typically come with enhanced compensation and responsibility. Moreover, advanced certifications and fellowships—such as those from NBCRNA or doctoral degrees in nursing—coupled with incentives like weekend differentials and productivity bonuses, can further elevate an experienced nurse anesthetist's compensation in Great Falls, MN.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Great Falls in 2026?

Top-earning nurse anesthetists in Great Falls (90th percentile) make $339,876/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.20% annual growth). This is $109,685 more than the area median of $230,191 — 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 Great Falls?

Higher nurse anesthetist pay in Great Falls 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 Great Falls?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for nurse anesthetists in Great Falls include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $230,191, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Great Falls?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Great Falls is $339,876, 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 Great Falls?

In Great Falls, the gap between entry level ($144,466) and top earners ($339,876) is $195,410, 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 Montana

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 $323,076 for nurse anesthetists in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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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