Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Burien, WA: $391,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $391,781/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $364,787 in average-cost America. The 47% 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 Burien, Washington, can anticipate a robust median annual salary of $266,067, with the potential for top earners to reach $391,781. This notable figure positions Burien's top earners above the national benchmark, as the highest salaries nationally hover at approximately $248,893. The significant difference between the median and the top earners illustrates the financial benefits of advanced proficiency and specialization in this field. Reaching such high compensation requires not only an extensive track record of clinical experience, often exceeding seven years, but also achieving advanced credentials and pursuing high-demand specialties that enhance earning potential in the competitive market of WA.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($245,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $338,187 and $391,781 per year (2026 est.). This $211,041 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $266,067 sits 6.9% above the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $266,067 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $338,187 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $391,781 | $357,154 |
In Burien, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 47.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $266,067 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $338,187–$391,781 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #10 of 49 Washington cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $391,781).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Burien ($391,781) is 0.26% below the Washington average P90 ($392,820).
2024 BLS Actual
$343,389
2025 BLS Actual
$372,415
2026 Current Est.
$391,781
2024–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Burien (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $343,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $372,415 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $391,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $412,153 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 8.5% from $343,389 in 2024 to $372,415 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 $412,153 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
The landscape of senior nurse anesthetist pay in Burien reflects the impact of various employer types on overall compensation packages. Those practicing in high-specialty fields, such as pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, or trauma at level-1 centers, can command greater salaries, often in addition to performance bonuses and stipends. Additionally, positions in hospital systems typically offer stable W-2 employment, while CRNA-owned group practices may provide alternative financial structures like partnership opportunities or profit-sharing. Leadership roles, such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director, not only yield higher pay but also offer pathways to greater influence within the field. Advanced certifications from NBCRNA and terminal degrees like the DNP can further elevate earnings. Non-salary factors, including call coverage arrangements and holiday differentials, also play a substantial role in the overall compensation experience for senior professionals in the anesthetic landscape of Burien, WA.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Burien?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Burien?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Burien?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $372,415 for nurse anesthetists in the Burien 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 Burien 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