CRNA Job Description
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in administering anesthesia and providing anesthesia-related care to patients before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. CRNAs play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the anesthesia process.
The demand for CRNAs is high and continues to grow due to a shortage of anesthesiologists, new innovations in technology resulting in an increase in procedures, and an aging population with chronic health conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for CRNAs is projected to grow 38 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,200 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected each year, over the next decade.
Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for CRNA Jobs in the US
Specific salary data varies by state and over time. The salary for a CRNA is influenced by the demand for practitioners, cost of living, and regional economic conditions. According to Zippia, the highest and lowest paying states for CRNAs are as follows:
Top 5 Highest Paying States for CRNAs:
- 1. Maine
- 2. Montana
- 3. Alaska
- 4. New Hampshire
- 5. Wyoming
Top 5 Lowest Paying States for CRNAs:
- 1. Hawaii
- 2. Alabama
- 3. Utah
- 4. Louisiana
- 5. Mississippi
The state data varies between resources.
Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary Median
** Chart from https://www.zippia.com/salaries/certified-registered-nurse-anesthetist/#salary-history-line-chartMedian salary, Entry-level salary, Average salary
The median salary for a CRNA in the U.S. is influenced by their experience, location, and specialization. An Entry-level salary for those just starting their career is around $120,581. The salary of a CRNA ranges from $199,934to$232,116 with a median salary of $206,060. Traveling CRNAs may receive a higher hourly rate because of their temporary job status. Non-traveling CRNAs who working in a permanent hospital position may have variations in salary based on specialization, geographic location, type of healthcare institution, and expertise level.
Average CRNA Salary by State (for non-traveling nurses)
State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama | $141,007 | $2,711 | $67.79 |
| Alaska | $189,066 | $3,635 | $90.90 |
| Arizona | $170,878 | $3,286 | $82.15 |
| Arkansas | $144,974 | $2,787 | $69.70 |
| California | $175,819 | $3,381 | $84.53 |
| Colorado | $168,858 | $3,247 | $81.18 |
| Connecticut | $172,272 | $3,312 | $82.82 |
| Delaware | $159,142 | $3,060 | $76.51 |
| Florida | $130,225 | $2,504 | $62.61 |
| Georgia | $157,598 | $3,030 | $75.77 |
| Hawaii | $93,162 | $1,791 | $44.79 |
| Idaho | $178,683 | $3,436 | $85.91 |
| Illinois | $168,257 | $3,235 | $80.89 |
| Indiana | $156,613 | $3,011 | $75.29 |
| Iowa | $177,360 | $3,410 | $85.27 |
| Kansas | $155,096 | $2,982 | $74.57 |
| Kentucky | $154,777 | $2,976 | $74.41 |
| Louisiana | $111,306 | $2,140 | $53.51 |
| Maine | $180,983 | $3,480 | $87.01 |
| Maryland | $179,568 | $3,453 | $86.33 |
| Massachusetts | $167,134 | $3,214 | $80.35 |
| Michigan | $161,123 | $3,098 | $77.46 |
| Minnesota | $181,454 | $3,489 | $87.24 |
| Mississippi | $142,427 | $2,735 | $68.47 |
| Missouri | $162,614 | $3,127 | $78.18 |
| Montana | $180,820 | $3,477 | $86.93 |
| Nebraska | $163,948 | $3,153 | $78.82 |
| Nevada | $150,704 | $2,898 | $72.45 |
| New Hampshire | $174,424 | $3,350 | $83.86 |
| New Jersey | $164,155 | $3,156 | $78.92 |
| New Mexico | $167,819 | $3,227 | $80.68 |
| New York | $175,539 | $3,375 | $84.39 |
| North Carolina | $159,502 | $3,067 | $76.68 |
| North Dakota | $167,833 | $3,227 | $80.69 |
| Ohio | $165,277 | $3,178 | $79.46 |
| Oklahoma | $168,279 | $3,236 | $80.90 |
| Oregon | $190,139 | $3,656 | $91.41 |
| Pennsylvania | $169,630 | $3,262 | $81.55 |
| Rhode Island | $160,761 | $3,091 | $77.29 |
| South Carolina | $164,008 | $3,154 | $78.85 |
| South Dakota | $130,358 | $2,506 | $62.67 |
| Tennessee | $148,164 | $2,849 | $71.23 |
| Texas | $160,392 | $3,084 | $77.11 |
| Utah | $153,738 | $2,956 | $73.91 |
| Vermont | $169,775 | $3,264 | $81.62 |
| Virginia | $160,711 | $3,090 | $77.26 |
| Washington | $179,076 | $3,443 | $86.09 |
| West Virginia | $149,905 | $2,882 | $72.07 |
| Wisconsin | $167,485 | $3,220 | $80.52 |
| Wyoming | $175,303 | $3,371 | $84.28 |
Average CRNA Job Salary by State (for traveling nurses)
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama (Birmingham) | $243,395 | $4,680 | $117 |
| Alaska (Juneau) | $275,215 | $5,292 | $132 |
| Arizona (Phoenix) | $257,866 | $4,958 | $124 |
| Arkansas (Little Rock) | $249,097 | $4,790 | $120 |
| California (San Francisco) | $305,980 | $5,884 | $147 |
| Colorado (Boulder) | $269,343 | $5,180 | $130 |
| Connecticut (Hartford) | $261,971 | $5,038 | $126 |
| Delaware (Dover) | $259,563 | $4,991 | $125 |
| Florida (Miami) | $248,396 | $4,777 | $119 |
| Georgia (Atlanta) | $249,750 | $4,802 | $120 |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | $256,491 | $4,932 | $123 |
| Idaho (Boise) | $247,179 | $4,753 | $118 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $267,536 | $5,145 | $129 |
| Indiana (Indianapolis) | $248,246 | $4,773 | $119 |
| Iowa (Des Moines) | $253,454 | $4,874 | $122 |
| Kansas (Topeka) | $244,409 | $4,700 | $118 |
| Kentucky (Lexington) | $258,127 | $4,934 | $124 |
| Louisiana (New Orleans) | $249,414 | $4,796 | $120 |
| Maine (Portland) | $265,711 | $5,110 | $128 |
| Maryland (Annapolis) | $257,091 | $4,944 | $124 |
| Massachusetts (Boston) | $282,146 | $5,426 | $136 |
| Michigan (Detroit) | $257,101 | $4,944 | $124 |
| Minnesota (St Paul) | $262,663 | $5,051 | $126 |
| Mississippi (Jackson) | $226,315 | $4,352 | $109 |
| Missouri (Jefferson City) | $246,159 | $4,733 | $118 |
| Montana (Helena) | $246,112 | $4,732 | $118 |
| Nebraska (Lincoln) | $226,105 | $4,348 | $109 |
| Nevada (Carson City) | $254,351 | $4,891 | $122 |
| New Hampshire (Concord) | $261,415 | $5,027 | $126 |
| New Jersey (Trenton) | $260,423 | $5,008 | $125 |
| New Mexico (Santa Fe) | $254,937 | $4,902 | $123 |
| New York (Manhattan) | $286,620 | $5,512 | $138 |
| North Carolina (Charlotte) | $253,660 | $4,878 | $122 |
| North Dakota (Bismarck) | $258,754 | $4,976 | $124 |
| Ohio (Columbus) | $250,851 | $4,824 | $121 |
| Oklahoma (OK City) | $241,256 | $4,640 | $116 |
| Oregon (Portland) | $275,421 | $5,297 | $132 |
| Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) | $262,067 | $5,040 | $126 |
| Rhode Island (Providence) | $262,365 | $5,045 | $126 |
| South Carolina (Charleston) | $243,039 | $4,674 | $117 |
| South Dakota (Pierre) | $258,780 | $4,977 | $124 |
| Tennessee (Nashville) | $250,850 | $4,824 | $120 |
| Texas (Austin) | $257,424 | $4,959 | $124 |
| Utah (Salt Lake City) | $251,322 | $4,833 | $121 |
| Vermont (Montpelier) | $262,555 | $5,049 | $126 |
| Virginia (Richmond) | $257,014 | $4,943 | $124 |
| Washington (Spokane) | $262,596 | $5,049 | $126 |
| West Virginia (Charleston) | $252,403 | $4,853 | $121 |
| Wisconsin (Green Bay) | $252,607 | $4,859 | $121 |
| Wyoming (Cheyenne) | $246,103 | $4,733 | $118 |
What is the average incentive bonus for a CRNA Job?
The average bonus for a CRNA is around $10,000. A CRNA is eligible for a number of different bonuses. Many CRNAs earn bonuses based on performance metrics, such as patient satisfaction, efficiency, and outcomes. They may also be offered procedure-based incentives. In a high-demand area or underserved region, hospitals and medical groups may offer a signing bonus to a CRNA. CRNAs often collect call pay bonuses and overtime bonuses. CRNAs may also be offered retention bonuses after staying with the employer for a specific number of years or a referral bonus for recommending a hired colleague.
Employed vs. self-employed CRNA job
Salaries vary between employed and self-employed CRNAs. Employed CRNAs have a stable income, health insurance, retirement plans, a CME allowance, and paid time off. They usually work for a hospital system and have less financial risk and more administrative responsibilities. A self-employed CRNA has the potential for higher earnings, increased flexibility, but must find a job, and may/may not be provided with healthcare or a retirement plan.
How to do an effective CRNA job search
It is easy to find a CRNA position with PRNHealthcare. Find the “physicians” link at the top of our website. Use the position job search bar by searching “I am a CRNA” and your specialty. Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.
Most common benefits for a CRNA
Being a CRNA comes with both professional and personal benefits including:
- High Demand/Job Security- CRNAs are in high demand at hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and pain management clinics.
- Competitive Salary- CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals. The median annual salary for a CRNA is significantly higher than other nursing roles due to their specialized skills and responsibilities.
- Continuous Learning- The field of anesthesia is always changing so many opportunities for learning and professional growth are available through continuing medical education (CME).
- Work-Life Balance- Compared to other medical professionals, CRNAs have a great work-life balance. They have many opportunities for flexible scheduling or part-time work allowing them to manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
- Impact on Patient Care- CRNAs impact patient outcomes by providing safe, effective anesthesia care. They play an important role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures.
- Autonomy and Respect- CRNAs work independently or with minimal supervision, which fosters a high level of professional respect and recognition.
- Contribution to Community- CRNAs feel a deep sense of fulfillment from contributing to the health outcomes of their community especially for those who serve in underserved areas or participate in medical missions and volunteer work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of a CRNA in the U.S.?
Recent data suggests the average annual salary for a CRNA in the United States ranges from $180,000 to $200,000. This figure varies depending on factors such as location, years of experience, employment situation, and the type of healthcare facility.
Do CRNA salaries vary by geographical location?
Yes, CRNA salaries vary significantly by geographical location. Generally, CRNAs in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries. For example, CRNAs in states like California and New York often earn more than those in rural or less populated states due to demand and differences in the cost of living.
How does experience affect a CRNA’s salary?
Experience plays a significant role in determining a CRNA’s salary. Entry-level CRNAs typically start with a lower salary, which can increase substantially with experience. Mid-career and experienced CRNAs can earn significantly more, especially if they have specialized skills or advanced certifications.
Are there opportunities for CRNAs to earn additional income?
Yes, there are many opportunities for CRNAs to earn additional income including overtime shifts, working in high-demand specialties such as pain management or critical care, serving as a traveling CRNA, or providing anesthesia services in multiple healthcare facilities. Furthermore, some CRNAs earn extra income through teaching, consulting, or participating in research.
What benefits typically accompany an employed CRNA’s salary?
In addition to their competitive salary, CRNAs often receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include health insurance, retirement plans (such as a 401(k) or pension), paid time off (PTO), continuing education allowances, and professional liability insurance. Benefits can significantly enhance the overall compensation package and provide long-term financial stability for non-traveling CRNAs.
