Nurse Anesthetist Salary + 25 Best States to Work in 2024

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are graduates of nurse anesthesia programs either at the masters or doctorate level. CRNAs are advanced practice nurses, recognized by all fifty states, who provide safe and effective anesthesia care across many populations and settings. In this article, we take an in-depth look at nurse anesthetist salary, highest paying industries and a brief overview of twenty-five best states to work as a nurse anesthetist.

What is the Starting Salary of a Nurse Anesthetist?

The average income for a new graduate nurse anesthetist is $143,870. This figure seems far below the national average of $205,770. However, most new graduate NAs will see a steep increase over the first five years of employment. Around the fifth year of practice, pay will settle near the national average.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$69.17
Monthly	$11,990
Annual	$143,870
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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What is the Average Nurse Anesthetist Salary as per the Latest BLS Data?

The average CRNA income is approximately $205,770. This figure can vary greatly depending on their location, job sector, seniority, and utilized skill set.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$98.93
Monthly	$17,150
Annual	$205,770
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

CRNA Salary Survey

The table below lists the results of a self-reported income. Approximately 50% of CRNAs report an income range from $174,190 to $227,160. The differences in the range are likely a result of seniority and location where the CRNA is practicing.

What Factors Play a Role in How much a CRNA Earns?

Many factors play a role in how much a CRNA earns. For example, CRNAs who specialize in a specific area of anesthesia, like neuro-anesthesia, may be paid more than a general practitioner. Taking extra call shifts and participating in clinical ladder programs are great ways to help boost a CRNA’s salary. Doctorally prepared CRNAs tend to earn more than those who are master’s prepared, and leaders or administrators are also able to make more than those they lead.

How Much Has the Average Salary Grown in The Last 5 Years (2018-2022)?

The average CRNA salary has grown by 21.43% in the past five years and is in line with the cost of living increases. Not all parts of the country see such dramatic increases as some hospitals, which are a large employer of CRNAs, often base their raises on the overall performance of the system.

How Much will the Average Salary Grow in The Next 5 Years (2023-2027)?

The average income for CRNAs is projected to remain at about the same rate as the previous five years. However, as salary climbs, so do percentages, which means the incremental figures will become larger over time.

Total CRNA Compensation in the Private Sector as per Latest BLS Data

CRNAs employed in the private sector take home a base salary of $205,270 and a benefits package totaling $86,721. While CRNAs generally make less than their counter-parts in the government section they still take-home comfortable earnings.

Total CRNA Compensation in the Government Sector as per Latest BLS Data

Total compensation for CRNA providers in the government sector gives a snapshot of annual salary in terms of pay and benefits. Comparison to the private sector reveals that government employed CRNAs take home approximately $6,260 more than their colleagues in the private sector. The annual salary of a government employee, $211,530, is nearly matched by benefits that total $130,199 bringing the total compensation to $341,729.

Earnings in 4 Industries Hiring the Highest Number of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

1. Offices of Physicians

Office-based anesthesia is a specific type of anesthesia where the CRNA provides anesthesia services to patients undergoing minor procedures. Some examples include; plastic surgery offices, dental and oral surgery suites, podiatry and gastroenterology offices. Procedures in office are often more cost efficient and convenient for the patient. Nurse Anesthetists in physician’s offices ensure a safe environment despite not being in a hospital setting. Nurse Anesthetists working full-time in these offices can expect to make around $200,280 annually.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$96.29	$200,280

2. Hospitals

Nurse Anesthetists are found in the OR, but they also serve vital roles throughout the hospital. Some examples are providing anesthesia for procedures in radiology, ICU, cardiac cath lab, obstetrical suites, neonatal ICU, or emergency room. CRNA salary in the hospital setting is well above the average of $217,570; this is likely related to seniority of CRNAs in the hospital setting.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$104.60	$217,570

3. Outpatient Care Centers

Nurse anesthetists in outpatient care centers, care for patients needing procedures more involved than an office-based case, but less involved than is necessary for an inpatient facility. Nurse anesthetist salaries in the outpatient care centers are well above the average. CRNAs are often the sole anesthesia providers in this setting and must perform many roles; therefore, income increases with responsibilities.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$118.74	$246,980

4. Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools

Roles for the CRNA in the academic community include program directors, professors, assistant professors, clinical coordinators, and guest lecturers. The average pay of a nurse anesthetist in a teaching role is approximately $199,460 about $6,310 lesser than the national average. Pay for CRNAs in didactics are usually on a pay-scale determined by the university.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$95.89	$199,460

Industry Wise CRNA Earnings – Highest to Lowest

Listed below are nurse anesthetist salary per hour, month, and annual in various industries. CRNAs that specialize for example in pediatric cardiac anesthesia tend to make the most while professors whose pay is determined by the university are the lowest.

Average CRNA Salary in 25 States Employing the Highest Number of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

1. Texas

Texas is growing, and so is the need for CRNAs. The expected employment growth rate is 24.59%, and they rank in the top with an annual 250 job openings per year. The average annual salary at $208,940 is slightly above that of the national average; however, home prices in Texas are nearly $40,500 below the national average.

2. Ohio

According to the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA), Ohio is home to 3,490 CRNAs and seven graduate schools of nursing anesthesia. Anesthetists practicing in the state of Ohio can expect to make just above the national average in terms of salary. According to Sperling’s Best Places Ohio does, however, provide a very affordable place to live.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to CRNAs with big hearts, their service projects reach those in the immediate community, nationally, and globally. The average annual salary for a CRNA in Pennsylvania is approximate to the national average. Employment growth is higher than that of the projected national average. However, Pennsylvania is host to one of the largest bodies of CRNAs with 2,870 in number.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina hosts five nationally ranked hospital systems and several top-ranking nursing anesthesia programs.
The state offers competitive incomes and a steady job outlook for CRNAs. Additionally, the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists website showcases the investment that North Carolina CRNAs make in their profession. Additionally, Sperling’s Best Places rates North Carolina as a moderately affordable state in which to live, and given the beautiful mountain views and oceanside sunsets, who could resist?

5. Tennessee

Nurse Anesthetists in Tennessee have a lower wage than the national average. However, that doesn’t take into consideration the lower cost of living as reported by Sperling’s Best Places. Tennessee has a secure job outlook with a moderate amount of job openings each year; and if you’re making a move to Tennessee, you’ll find the state has a lot to offer, from the booming music scene in Nashville to the picturesque mountains and riverways.

6. Michigan

Nurse Anesthetists in Michigan have a competitive annual income with an expected job growth rate of approximately 12%. The Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetist boasts a network of CRNAs who support each other and stand as one cohesive community. If you plan to make a move to Michigan, you can enjoy the beautiful lake shorelines or perhaps enjoy some shopping and fine dining in Chicago, either way, you are likely to have a great time.

7. Minnesota

Minnesota is an opt-out state, which means it has opted out of the CRNA supervision requirements for CRNAs allowing them to practice without the supervision of a physician. A policy that is helpful for rural areas of Minnesota where access to anesthesia care is limited. Salary and job outlook for Minnesota CRNAs are competitive, however, according to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Minnesota is higher than the national due to housing prices.

8. New York

CRNAs in New York have a competitive wage and a large projected job growth rate. The cost of living, according to Sperling’s Best Places, is much higher than the national average, due to housing and transportation. New York is densely populated, and has nine nationally ranking hospitals, according to News and World Report. As the population begins to age, it is no surprise that New York expects a high employment growth rate at 19.49%.

9. Florida

CRNAs in Florida have moderately competitive pay and a sizeable expected job growth rate. Annual job openings are also high in Florida. Considering that Florida is a popular place to retire, this significant growth may be attributed to an older generation starting to require more procedures. In terms of employers, some of the top-ranking hospital systems include the Mayo Clinic, Tampa General, UF Health Shands, and Florida hospital.

10. California

CRNAs can practice without physician supervision in the state of California due to a policy designed to improve access to care for patients; with the added liability of acting as the sole anesthesia provider, the rate of income rises. CRNA pay in California is also adjusted to the cost of living expenses. California is an expensive place to live; and according to Sperling’s Best Places, the high cost of living is related to housing and transportation. The trade-off is that California has a vast amount of hospital systems that need CRNA services.

11. Illinois

According to the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists, CRNA’s are pushing the boundaries of care. They make up most of the anesthesia providers in 89% of the counties in Illinois, improving access to care for patients across the state. While the expected employment growth nationally is 11.73%, Illinois will expect to see a 6.44% job growth with the average income for Illinois CRNAs matching the national average.

12. Alabama

The income for Alabama CRNAs is approximately the same as the national average, and it ranks high in affordable places to live according to Sperling’s Best Places. The employment growth rate is about half of the expected for the nation, but it still boasts 100 annual job openings. The Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists seems to have a wealth of information for those looking to make a move to Alabama.

13. Massachusetts

The average income of a CRNA living in Massachusetts is well over that of the national average, however, so is the cost of living according to Sperling’s Best Places. Making the average yearly income levels appear much lower when taking the cost of living into consideration. Massachusetts is home to nationally recognized Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

14. Missouri

CRNAs in Missouri bring home an average salary of $205,190 slightly below that of the national average. However, according to Sperling’s Best Places it rates as having an affordable cost of living with average home prices around $150,500. Missouri also boasts two nationally ranked hospital systems, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.

15. Kentucky

Kentucky is an opt-out state, meaning the state has opted out of the CRNA supervision requirements for CRNAs allowing them to practice without a supervising physician. This policy benefits the rural underserved areas of the state, who do not have access to care. The average income and job outlook of a CRNA in Kentucky is competitive. Kentucky also has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places.

16. Georgia

Nurse Anesthetist incomes in Georgia are lower than the national average, but they are expecting a larger than average growth rate. The cost of living in Georgia is in line with the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places. Some top hospitals in Georgia include Emory University Hospital, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, and Grady Memorial, according to News and World Report.

17. South Carolina

South Carolina is close to the national average in terms of pay and expected job growth for CRNAs; and according to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in South Carolina is slightly less than the national average in certain parts. Employment options include MUSC Health and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in the beautiful port city of Charleston.

18. Virginia

The average income for a CRNA practicing in Virginia is well above the national average with a competitive projected job growth rate. Employment opportunities include the University of Virginia Medical Center and VCU Medical Center, both are ranked nationally according to U.S. News and World Report. The cost of living in Virginia, according to Sperling’s Best Places, is slightly above that of the national average mostly due to housing costs.

19. Louisiana

CRNAs living in Louisiana earn approximately $26,630 less than the national average; and can expect a 2.35% rate of job growth over the next 10 years. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Louisiana is more affordable when compared to the national average. The top hospital systems in Louisiana include Ochsner Medical Center, Willis-Knighton Medical Center, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center according to News and World Report rankings.

20. Washington

Washington state does not require that CRNAs be supervised by a physician. While many CRNAs still remain in a team model; others, usually in rural areas, practice without physician supervision. This fact along with the cost of living in Washington is likely the reason the annual salary range is above the national average. According to News and World Report, the cost of owning a home in Washington state is approximately $150,000 more than the national average.

21. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has removed the requirements for CRNAs to practice with physician supervision, meaning better access to care for patients. Wisconsin CRNAs earn $24,500 more than the national average and have an expected job growth of 8.00%. Salary is higher due to CRNAs that practice as sole providers and the increased cost of living in Wisconsin. Sperling’s Best Places estimates the cost of owning a home in Wisconsin to be $60,400 less than the national average.

22. Connecticut

The income for Connecticut CRNAs is approximately the same as the national average, and it ranks slightly above the average for cost of living according to Sperling’s Best Places. The employment growth rate is about 11%, but it still averages 30 annual job openings per year. The Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthetists seems to have a wealth of practice centered information for those looking to make a move to Connecticut.

23. Indiana

Indiana has a yearly average income slightly lower than the national average; however, Sperling’s Best Places to Live ranks Indiana as an affordable place to live when compared to the national average. Indiana is home to one nationally ranked hospital system, Indiana University Health Medical Center, according to U.S. News and World Report

24. West Virginia

CRNAs in West Virginia enjoy an annual income lower than that of the national average with an affordable cost of living. The employment growth rate is much higher than the national average; however, it is likely that it matches the rate of state growth. News and World Report name West Virginia University Hospital system as a nationally ranked, high performing hospital.

25. Maryland

The income for Maryland CRNAs is approximately the same as the national average. However, it ranks well above the average for cost of living according to Sperling’s Best Places. The employment growth rate in Maryland is 12.07%, and it averages 40 annual job openings per year. The Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetists seems to have a wealth of practice centered information for those looking to make a move to Connecticut.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Salary by State in Alphabetical Order

The table below shows the average anesthetist by state including an hourly, monthly, and annual salary breakdown.

Salary of a Nurse Anesthetist Compared to Other Nursing Jobs

Compared to other nursing professions, Nurse Anesthetists stand at the top as far as income is concerned. Nurse Midwives and Nurse practitioners are close behind in pay with a stark cut-off existing between Registered Nurses and those with advanced practice degrees.

Salary of a Nurse Anesthetist Compared to Similar Healthcare Jobs

Nurse anesthetists’ salaries are comparable to other highly specialized practitioners. The range varies considerably based upon work setting and area of practice.