Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $370,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $370,180/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $344,674 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nurse anesthetists in Des Moines, WA, have a promising salary landscape, particularly for those with significant experience. The median annual salary for seasoned practitioners in this field is projected at $264,841, but the highest earners can expect to make as much as $370,180, which significantly broadens the earning potential. This top-end pay reflects a notable experience premium, illustrating a stark contrast with both the median and the lower salary percentiles. Reaching these elevated compensation levels typically requires not only extensive clinical experience exceeding seven years but also specialized training or credentials that can cater to high-demand areas like cardiac or pediatric anesthesia.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($245,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $326,609 and $370,180 per year (2026 est.). This $192,712 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $264,841 sits 6.41% above the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $264,841 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $326,609 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $370,180 | $357,154 |
In Des Moines, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 39.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $264,841 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $326,609–$370,180 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #28 of 49 Washington cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $370,180).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Des Moines ($370,180) is 5.76% below the Washington average P90 ($392,820).
2024 BLS Actual
$323,581
2025 BLS Actual
$351,882
2026 Current Est.
$370,180
2024–2027 Growth
+20.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Des Moines (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $323,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $351,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $370,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $389,429 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 8.7% from $323,581 in 2024 to $351,882 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 $389,429 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Senior-level nurse anesthetists in Des Moines can maximize their earning potential by targeting specific specialties that command premium pay. Areas such as cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and chronic pain management are often associated with heightened salary opportunities. Furthermore, compensation packages vary considerably depending on the employer type. Those working in hospital systems or CRNA-owned practices may enjoy benefits such as partnership tracks and stability that can lead to enhanced earnings, while others in locum tenens roles might appreciate the flexibility of 1099 arrangements. Leadership opportunities also abound for those seeking advancement, with positions such as chief CRNA or anesthesia department director providing not just significant pay increases, but also a channel to influence practice standards. Advanced credentials—like the CRNA license, NBCRNA certification, or a DNP—can further boost their market value. Additionally, non-salary factors, such as favorable on-call schedules and bonuses tied to OR efficiency, serve as vital components of total compensation for senior roles in the area.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $351,882 for nurse anesthetists in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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