Senior Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Lacey, WA: $388,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse anesthetists working in Lacey, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $388,245/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1151. Strip back Lacey's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $361,494 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
Lacey, Washington, offers a compelling opportunity for experienced nurse anesthetists with a median annual salary projected at $262,468 in 2026. High earners in this field can expect to reach the 90th percentile pay of $388,245, significantly exceeding national figures, where top earners average around $248,893. This stark contrast emphasizes the experience premium for seasoned professionals, as the gap between the median compensation and the top tier reflects the salaries one can demand through specialized skills and leadership roles. Nurse anesthetists looking to achieve top-tier pay in Lacey must build extensive clinical experience, pursue relevant certifications, and possibly transition into advanced leadership positions to maximize their earning potential.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($245,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
Experienced nurse anesthetists at the top of the pay scale in Lacey earn between $319,528 and $388,245 per year (2026 est.). This $208,270 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lacey median of $262,468 sits 5.45% above the US median.
Top CRNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lacey | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $262,468 | $248,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $319,528 | $309,656 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $388,245 | $357,154 |
In Lacey, experienced nurse anesthetists (P90) earn 47.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Anesthetist Pay in Lacey
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA nurse anesthetists with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $262,468 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lacey employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Anesthetists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lacey command premium compensation, often reaching the $319,528–$388,245 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lacey 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 Lacey 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 Lacey
Clinical Nurse Anesthetist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Anesthetist
5-10 yearsNurse Anesthetist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLacey ranks #13 of 49 Washington cities for top earner nurse anesthetist salary (90th percentile: $388,245).
Top 10% nurse anesthetist compensation in Lacey ($388,245) is 1.16% below the Washington average P90 ($392,820).
2024 BLS Actual
$340,481
2025 BLS Actual
$369,054
2026 Current Est.
$388,245
2024–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Lacey (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $340,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $369,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $388,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $408,434 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse anesthetists (90th percentile) in Lacey saw their compensation grow 8.4% from $340,481 in 2024 to $369,054 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 $408,434 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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 Lacey
Specializing in high-demand areas such as pediatric, obstetric, or cardiac anesthesia can markedly enhance compensation for senior nurse anesthetists in WA. The type of employer also plays a significant role in determining pay brackets; for instance, hospital systems may offer stable W-2 positions, while anesthetic group partnerships present opportunities for profit sharing, and locum tenens roles might attract attractive bonuses for flexible work. As nurse anesthetists advance into leadership roles like lead CRNA or anesthesia department director, they often see corresponding compensation increases, bolstered by advanced credentials like NBCRNA recertification or fellowships. Additional non-salary compensation components, such as call coverage differentials and OR efficiency bonuses, can further elevate overall earnings, making the pursuit of diverse clinical experience and leadership roles essential for maximizing one’s income in this competitive market.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse anesthetists make in Lacey in 2026?
What drives higher nurse anesthetist pay in Lacey?
What certifications boost nurse anesthetist salary in Lacey?
Can experienced nurse anesthetists make six figures in Lacey?
How much does nurse anesthetist salary increase over time in Lacey?
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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 $369,054 for nurse anesthetists in the Lacey 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 Lacey 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