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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat 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 (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $275,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $323,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $339,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $357,550 | Projected |
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 (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 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.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Great Falls?
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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 $323,076 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).
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