Curious about the typical certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) salary? CRNAs are among the top earners in nursing, and for good reason — their advanced education, complex decision-making skills, and critical thinking abilities are in great demand in the U.S., where over 58 million anesthetics are administered to patients each year.
Beyond competitive pay, CRNAs rank among the top five most rewarding roles in healthcare. The highly specialized CRNA scope of practice offers greater autonomy, the chance to collaborate closely with surgical teams, and the ability to work in a variety of settings. In fact, certified nurse anesthetists are the primary providers of anesthesia care to front line members of the U.S. military, as well as on Navy ships and air evacuation teams.
Whether you're entering the profession, negotiating your salary, or considering a move to another state, understanding the current compensation landscape is essential. This guide breaks down the average salary for CRNA roles, explores factors influencing pay, and offers a comprehensive look at earnings by state.
What Is the Average CRNA Salary?
Years of education and hands-on practice are required to become a CRNA. Annual salary figures reflect this commitment, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting an average CRNA salary of $231,700 per year; the average CRNA salary per hour is $111.39. Keep in mind that these numbers can fluctuate based on several factors, including your educational background, years of experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility in which you work.
CRNA Salary by State
While national averages provide a helpful benchmark, CRNA salaries can vary significantly depending on where you practice. States with a higher cost of living, as well as major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York City, often offer higher compensation. On the other hand, rural regions facing provider shortages may offer competitive pay along with additional incentives such as loan forgiveness, relocation bonuses, or flexible scheduling to attract and retain qualified CRNAs.
Additionally, the type of employment can greatly affect your pay. For example, a typical travel CRNA salary tends to offer the highest hourly or monthly rate, but your yearly pay will vary depending on how frequently you take contracts. On the other hand, full-time employment can often offer benefits like retirement plans and health insurance, which can add significant value.
Here's a look at how CRNA salaries stack up across different states based on recent data:
*Note: Due to the BLS's concerns regarding Colorado's data quality, the pay in that state has been omitted. Additionally, data is unavailable for the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada.
| State | Average Annual CRNA Salary | Average Hourly CRNA Salary | CRNA Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $176,970 | $85.08 | CRNA jobs in Alabama |
| Alaska | $268,970 | $129.31 | CRNA jobs in Alaska |
| Arizona | $246,300 | $118.41 | CRNA jobs in Arizona |
| Arkansas | $138,740 | $66.70 | CRNA jobs in Arkansas |
| California | $220,000 | $105.77 | CRNA jobs in California |
| Colorado | n/a | n/a | CRNA jobs in Colorado |
| Connecticut | $223,660 | $107.53 | CRNA jobs in Connecticut |
| Delaware | $215,760 | $103.73 | CRNA jobs in Delaware |
| Florida | $236,610 | $113.75 | CRNA jobs in Florida |
| Georgia | $219,130 | $105.35 | CRNA jobs in Georgia |
| Hawaii | n/a | n/a | CRNA jobs in Hawaii |
| Idaho | n/a | n/a | CRNA jobs in Idaho |
| Illinois | $254,350 | $122.29 | CRNA jobs in Illinois |
| Indiana | $224,250 | $107.81 | CRNA jobs in Indiana |
| Iowa | $245,780 | $118.16 | CRNA jobs in Iowa |
| Kansas | $189,060 | $90.89 | CRNA jobs in Kansas |
| Kentucky | $224,920 | $108.13 | CRNA jobs in Kentucky |
| Louisiana | $242,720 | $116.69 | CRNA jobs in Louisiana |
| Maine | $238,440 | $114.63 | CRNA jobs in Maine |
| Maryland | $163,470 | $78.59 | CRNA jobs in Maryland |
| Massachusetts | $292,390 | $140.57 | CRNA jobs in Massachusetts |
| Michigan | $230,360 | $110.75 | CRNA jobs in Michigan |
| Minnesota | $246,930 | $118.72 | CRNA jobs in Minnesota |
| Mississippi | $205,890 | $98.99 | CRNA jobs in Mississippi |
| Missouri | $237,490 | $114.18 | CRNA jobs in Missouri |
| Montana | ≥$239,200 | ≥$115.00 | CRNA jobs in Montana |
| Nebraska | $224,900 | $108.12 | CRNA jobs in Nebraska |
| Nevada | n/a | n/a | CRNA jobs in Nevada |
| New Hampshire | $257,980 | $124.03 | CRNA jobs in New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | $268,310 | $128.99 | CRNA jobs in New Jersey |
| New Mexico | $212,860 | $102.34 | CRNA jobs in New Mexico |
| New York | $266,710 | $128.23 | CRNA jobs in New York |
| North Carolina | $226,030 | $108.67 | CRNA jobs in North Carolina |
| North Dakota | $229,180 | $110.19 | CRNA jobs in North Dakota |
| Ohio | $212,320 | $102.08 | CRNA jobs in Ohio |
| Oklahoma | $206,810 | $99.43 | CRNA jobs in Oklahoma |
| Oregon | $253,220 | $121.74 | CRNA jobs in Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | $238,890 | $114.85 | CRNA jobs in Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | $156,140 | $75.07 | CRNA jobs in Rhode Island |
| South Carolina | $267,410 | $128.56 | CRNA jobs in South Carolina |
| South Dakota | $229,840 | $110.50 | CRNA jobs in South Dakota |
| Tennessee | $195,790 | $94.13 | CRNA jobs in Tennessee |
| Texas | $248,670 | $119.55 | CRNA jobs in Texas |
| Utah | $133,550 | $64.21 | CRNA jobs in Utah |
| Vermont | $272,180 | $130.86 | CRNA jobs in Vermont |
| Virginia | $206,270 | $99.17 | CRNA jobs in Virginia |
| Washington | $276,110 | $132.74 | CRNA jobs in Washington |
| West Virginia | $267,220 | $128.47 | CRNA jobs in West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | $264,400 | $127.12 | CRNA jobs in Wisconsin |
| Wyoming | $200,680 | $96.48 | CRNA jobs in Wyoming |
| Washington D.C. | n/a | n/a | CRNA jobs in Washington, DC |
| Puerto Rico | $65,380 | $31.43 | CRNA jobs in Puerto Rico |
Best-Paying States for CRNAs 2025–2026
Geographic location plays a major role in salary. Several states stand out for offering particularly competitive salaries for CRNAs, influenced by factors such as cost of living and the concentration of healthcare facilities. According to the latest BLS data, these are the highest-paying states for CRNAs:
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Vermont
- Alaska
- New Jersey
How Education and Training Affect Your Salary
Wondering how your CRNA nurse salary compares with other roles in the field? The difference is substantial — and it starts with the level of education and clinical training required. The average annual RN salary is $98,430, so CRNAs earn an average of $133,270 more each year. In contrast, the average NP salary is $132,000 per year in the U.S., which is $99,700 lower than a CRNAs' average earnings. And an anesthesiologist earns an average of $336,640 per year — almost $105,000 more.
Beyond formal education, you can boost your salary potential by getting professional certifications, participating in nursing conferences, and affiliating with professional organizations. These efforts not only deepen your expertise but also position you as a competitive candidate for top-tier healthcare settings.
CRNA Salaries: FAQ
What is the typical CRNA salary per month?
Based on the BLS reported average annual salary of $231,700, the estimated monthly salary for CRNAs would be approximately $19,308. However, location can greatly impact your CRNA salary. California, for example, is historically known for offering competitive salaries due to the state's high demand for healthcare professionals and high cost of living.
How much does a CRNA make in different workplaces?
Your CRNA salary is influenced by the type of healthcare environment you work in. Specialty hospitals generally offer better pay than ambulatory care facilities. Below, we'll explore the average annual salaries in different healthcare settings:
- Specialty hospitals: $259,520
- Outpatient centers: $278,060
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $239,570
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $229,890
What is the job outlook for CRNAs?
According to BLS projections, the demand for CRNAs is expected to increase by 9% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for other professions. This growth will result in a projected 4,600 additional job openings for nurse anesthetists nationwide.
What are some good ways to increase my CRNA salary?
From paying off student loans to saving for major life milestones, there are many reasons you might be looking for ways to increase your paycheck. Here are some strategies that could help boost your earnings:
- Negotiate your salary: Did you know that only around 44% of U.S. employees negotiate their salary? Before accepting a job offer, research the average CRNA pay in your area and for your experience level. Don't hesitate to ask for a higher salary or better benefits — it can greatly impact your long-term earning potential.
- Specialize: Consider seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties, such as cardiac surgery, or explore highly technical fields like neurosurgery, where there may be complex anesthesia needs.
- Teach or mentor other CRNAs: Consider taking on a role as a clinical instructor or mentor for CRNA students. Educational roles can provide additional income streams and sometimes offer higher pay in academic settings.
- Explore travel opportunities: Take on travel assignments that are known for offering higher pay rates, housing stipends, and travel allowances. These positions provide an opportunity to explore different parts of the country while earning more.
Want to Boost Your CRNA Salary?
You've worked hard to get where you are, and it's time to earn what you're worth. Credenza can help you find the latest CRNA jobs in your area. Discover new career horizons today.