Explore Healthcare Salaries
Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) rank among the highest-paid nursing professionals, with a median annual salary of $203,090 as of 2024, reflecting their advanced education, critical responsibilities in anesthesia care, and high demand in healthcare settings.
As of 2024, nurse anesthetist salaries in the United States demonstrate strong earning potential across experience levels. Entry-level CRNAs typically earn between $140,000 - $165,000 annually, or approximately $67 - $79 per hour. Mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience can expect to earn $175,000 - $195,000 per year.
Senior-level nurse anesthetists with over 10 years of experience command salaries ranging from $195,000 - $240,000 annually. Those in leadership or management positions, particularly in large metropolitan hospitals, may earn upwards of $250,000 per year. The median salary for all experience levels sits at approximately $185,000 annually.
Location significantly impacts CRNA compensation. The highest-paying metropolitan areas include San Francisco ($230,000 - $265,000), New York City ($215,000 - $250,000), and Boston ($210,000 - $245,000). Rural areas typically offer 15-20% lower base salaries but may include additional incentives like signing bonuses or relocation assistance to attract qualified professionals.
Several key factors influence CRNA salaries beyond experience and location. Advanced certifications can increase base pay by $5,000 - $15,000 annually. Shift differentials for evening, night, or weekend work typically add $5 - $15 per hour. Facility type also matters, with private surgical centers often offering higher base salaries than public hospitals.
Employment setting affects compensation structure, with independent practice opportunities potentially yielding higher earnings through profit-sharing or partnership arrangements. Additional factors include state practice authority laws, local market demand, and individual negotiation skills during the hiring process.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Nurse Anesthetists can significantly increase their earning potential by practicing in specific states. Location-based salary variations often reflect factors like cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific regulations.
Oregon leads the nation in CRNA compensation, with average salaries ranging from $236,540 - $285,000 annually. The high wages reflect the state's commitment to healthcare access in rural areas and the increased demand for CRNAs in smaller medical facilities where they often work with greater autonomy. However, Oregon's high income tax rates and elevated cost of living in cities like Portland should be considered.
Wisconsin ranks second, offering salary ranges of $229,780 - $271,000. The state's competitive wages are driven by a significant rural population and numerous critical access hospitals that rely heavily on CRNAs. While the cost of living in Wisconsin remains relatively moderate compared to coastal states, metropolitan areas like Madison and Milwaukee have higher living expenses.
Wyoming secures the third position with salaries between $225,670 - $268,000. The state's high compensation reflects the challenge of attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas and the lower provider-to-patient ratios. Wyoming offers the advantage of no state income tax and a lower overall cost of living compared to other top-paying states.
When considering these salary ranges, healthcare professionals should evaluate various CRNA specialties and their respective demand in each state. The highest-paying locations often correlate with areas experiencing healthcare provider shortages or those with robust healthcare systems requiring specialized anesthesia services.
Cost of living adjustments can significantly impact the real value of these salaries. For example, a $250,000 salary in Wyoming provides substantially more purchasing power than the same amount in California due to housing costs, taxes, and general living expenses. Healthcare professionals should consider these factors alongside base salary when evaluating career opportunities in different states.