Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $291,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Spearfish, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $291,818/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Spearfish's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $314,459 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Attaining the pinnacle of compensated roles as a nurse anesthetist in Spearfish, South Dakota, yields the potential for impressive earnings, with 2026 estimates indicating a top nurse anesthetist salary of $291,818 at the 90th percentile (P90). For experienced professionals, the journey to achieving this level of income involves not only extensive clinical experience but also advanced specializations that enhance their value in a competitive market. With a median annual salary standing at $221,466, there exists a significant divide between this figure and the income levels attainable by senior practitioners. To reach such elevated compensation, it often necessitates not just years of hands-on experience but also a proactive approach to continuous education, securing specialized certifications, and possibly engaging in leadership roles within healthcare settings.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($218,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Spearfish earn between $263,811 and $291,818 per year (2026 est.). This $145,102 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Spearfish median of $221,466 sits 11.02% below the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Spearfish | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $221,466 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $263,811 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $291,818 | $357,154 |
In Spearfish, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 31.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Spearfish
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $221,466 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Spearfish employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Spearfish command premium compensation, often reaching the $263,811–$291,818 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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 South Dakota 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 Spearfish
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSpearfish ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $291,818).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Spearfish ($291,818) is 20.14% below the South Dakota average P90 ($365,400).
2024 BLS Actual
$226,172
2025 BLS Actual
$277,394
2026 Current Est.
$291,818
2024–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Spearfish (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $226,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $277,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $291,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $306,993 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Spearfish saw their compensation grow 22.6% from $226,172 in 2024 to $277,394 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 $306,993 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
In Spearfish, skilled nurse anesthetists can command premium salaries through engaging in advanced specialties such as pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, and trauma anesthesia at level-1 trauma centers. The senior nurse anesthetist pay in SD is also influenced by the type of employer; those employed by hospital systems may receive structured W-2 compensation with benefits, while roles within ambulatory surgery centers can vary from W-2 to 1099 contracts that offer different levels of income stability. Additionally, the rise of CRNA-owned anesthesia practices allows for lucrative partnership opportunities and income sharing that can significantly enhance earnings. To further boost compensation, obtaining advanced credentials—such as certification through the NBCRNA or pursuing a DNP—contributes to marketability and potential pay increases. Other compensation drivers include variations in call coverage requirements, trauma center stipends, and the distinction between W-2 and 1099 tax statuses, all of which can greatly affect a senior anesthetist's overall financial package in Spearfish.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Spearfish in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Spearfish?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Spearfish?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Spearfish?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Spearfish?
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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 $277,394 for nurse anesthetists in the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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