Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Burlington, NC: $336,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Burlington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $336,888/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $359,923 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 Burlington, North Carolina, senior nurse anesthetists hold the potential for remarkable earnings, particularly those in the upper echelon of their profession. The projected 2026 salary for the highest earners in this field can reach $336,888, with the 75th percentile earning about $290,507. This substantial earning capacity underscores the significant experience premium available to seasoned professionals, who enjoy a median salary of $228,020. The gap between a median salary and top earners illustrates what is attainable through strategic career moves, such as gaining specialized certifications, engaging in advanced clinical practices, or transitioning to leadership roles. Therefore, experienced nurse anesthetists in Burlington are presented with numerous opportunities to enhance their financial prospects.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($210,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $290,507 and $336,888 per year (2026 est.). This $182,023 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $228,020 sits 8.39% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $228,020 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $290,507 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $336,888 | $357,154 |
In Burlington, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 47.74% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $228,020 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $290,507–$336,888 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 North Carolina 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 Burlington
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #11 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $336,888).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Burlington ($336,888) is 0.6% above the North Carolina average P90 ($334,874).
2024 BLS Actual
$253,448
2025 BLS Actual
$320,236
2026 Current Est.
$336,888
2024–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Burlington (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $253,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $320,236 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $336,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $354,406 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 26.4% from $253,448 in 2024 to $320,236 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 $354,406 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Specializations play a crucial role in determining salaries for seasoned professionals within Burlington, with areas like pediatric, OB, cardiac anesthesia, and trauma anesthetics at level-1 centers commanding premium pay. Senior nurse anesthetists may find variations in compensation based on their employment setting, whether in hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, or private practices. Those exploring roles in CRNA-owned group practices or locum tenens may also benefit from flexible compensation structures, offering distinct advantages such as partnership tracks or tax strategies. Advancing one's career through leadership positions—such as lead CRNA or anesthesia department director—can significantly impact earning potential. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials like NBCRNA certification, or pursuing fellowships in subspecialties can enhance career trajectories, allowing professionals to command higher wages. Non-salary benefits, including call coverage rotations and operational efficiency bonuses, further enrich the compensation package for experienced nurse anesthetists.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $320,236 for nurse anesthetists in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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