Nurse Anesthetist Career and Degree Guide
Other Advanced Nursing Careers
Nurse anesthetist salary guide
The amount of time and rigorous training required to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) might seem daunting, but this career is highly rewarding in more ways than one.
Not only do CRNAs fill a crucial role in healthcare, but they also earn a median annual salary of $195,610, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest pay among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
In This Article
Advanced practice registered nurses include CRNAs, certified nurse midwife practitioners, family nurse practitioners and other highly educated nurses. CRNAs are respected healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians, surgeons and other members of a patient’s care team when anesthesia is needed for medical procedures. Their expertise, experience and responsibility are rewarded with highly competitive salaries.
CRNAs are rewarded with highly competitive salaries for their expertise, experience, and responsibility.
If you’re looking to the join the nursing field and earn an excellent living, learn more about what salary you might expect as a CRNA, as well as other benefits of the role.
Median Annual Salary for CRNAs
CRNA Salaries by Workplace
In general, CRNAs enjoy plentiful job opportunities in an array of healthcare settings. But where you work can be a big influence, according to BLS numbers. This chart ranks CRNA workplaces from highest to lowest in terms of median pay.
Employer
Average Annual Salary
Outpatient care centers
A medical facility, often part of a hospital, that provides care for patients not staying overnight.
Places you may work:
$254,180
General medical and surgical hospitals
Academic or community-based facilities providing short-term care for acute illnesses and injuries.
Places you may work:
$212,340
Specialty hospitals
Healthcare facilities focused on treating specific medical conditions or patient populations.
Places you may work:
$219,540
Colleges and universities
Medical facilities or clinics operated by public, private, teaching, or research institutions.
Places you may work:
$200,340
Physicians’ offices
Private medical practices, clinics, medical groups, or independently practicing physicians’ offices.
Places you may work:
$194,240
Health practitioner offices
Clinics or private practices operated by advance practice providers such as nurse practitioners or other healthcare professionals.
Places you may work:
$179,220
Your Salary Also Can Depend on Where You Live
Where you live also can affect your earning power as a CRNA. For example, the top-paying states in the nation are largely rural, areas where it can be harder to attract healthcare workers.
Wyoming
Average Annual Pay for CRNAs: $223,680
Hourly average wage:
$107.54
Top paying area:
Hourly and annual wage data is calculated statewide.
Montana
Average Annual Pay for CRNAs: $239,380
Hourly average wage:
$115.09
Top paying area:
Hourly and annual wage data is calculated statewide.
Oregon
Average Annual Pay for CRNAs: $225,560
Hourly average wage:
$108.44
Top-paying area:
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro
$225,020
Wisconsin
Average Annual Pay for CRNAs: $235,550
Hourly average wage:
$113.25
Top-paying areas:
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis
$236,640
Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
$214,950
California
Average Annual Pay for CRNAs: $232,540
Hourly average wage:
$111.80
Top-paying areas:
Santa Clara-Sunnyvale
$224,350
Riverside-San Bernardino
$283,550
Los Angeles
$224,010
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
CRNA Salaries Compared to Pay for Other Nurses
APRNs in general are well compensated, but CRNAs are way out in front of their peers with advanced credentials. In their field, only anesthesiologists make more. Here’s a comparison with a sampling of nurse roles.
Other Benefits and Perks
Along with highly competitive salaries, many employers might also pay for:
Another benefit is the potential for being paid to travel. Because CRNAs are needed in nearly every medical setting, you might have the option to work as a travel nurse on short-term assignments that last between two and six months.
Depending on demand due to nurse shortages, unfilled positions, leaves of absence, or emergency situations, travel nurses can often choose their assignments based on their desired location and specialty. And along with above-average pay, travel nurses often receive paid housing and untaxed stipends.
