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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with specialized training in anesthesiology. This training and certification allows them to collaborate Anesthesiologists, administer anesthesia under supervision, and—in about half the country—administer anesthesia independently.
They consistently earn more than any other type of nurse due to the complex and critical nature of their work. Anesthesiology involves administering sedation during surgeries and other medical procedures, a practice that carries significant risk and requires high levels of precision. CRNAs undergo extensive education and training to master these skills, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, followed by a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. Due to their high level of training, inherent risk, and ability to practice independently in many states, CRNAs command top salaries in the nursing field.
This combination of expertise and autonomy also positions them well for locum tenens roles, where they can maximize their earning potential and enjoy unparalleled flexibility. Locum positions allow CRNAs to choose when and where they work, offering a variety of clinical settings and the freedom to balance personal commitments with professional opportunities.
CRNAs enjoy high salaries nationwide, with the national average being approximately $212,650. However, some states offer even more competitive wages due to factors such as local demand and cost of living. (Salary data below acquired from Becker's Hospital Review and Nightingale College to help illustrate these variations across the country, highlighting where CRNAs can potentially earn the most.)
California: $250,920 annually or $120.54 hourly
Iowa: $227,710 annually or $109.48 hourly
Massachusetts: $272,510 annually or $130.92 hourly
Montana: $256,460 annually or $123.30 hourly
New York: $256,160 annually or $123.15 hourly
Oregon: $215,260 annually or $103.59 hourly
Wisconsin: $247,160 annually or $118.73 hourly
Wyoming: $228,780 annually or $108.68 hourly
Alabama: $191,200 annually or $91.92 hourly
Arizona: $179,730 annually or $86.41 hourly
Arkansas: Figures not available
California: $246,510 annually or $118.52 hourly
Colorado: $185,860 annually or $89.36 hourly
Connecticut: $240,580 annually or $115.66 hourly
Georgia: $190,800 annually or $91.73 hourly
Hawaii: Figures not available
Idaho: $181,110 annually or $87.07 hourly
Illinois: $238,440 annually or $114.64 hourly
Indiana: $220,020 annually or $105.78 hourly
Iowa: $211,010 annually or $101.45 hourly
Kansas: $169,410 annually or $81.45 hourly
Kentucky: $235,260 annually or $113.10 hourly
Louisiana: $179,140 annually or $86.12 hourly
Maine: $214,930 annually or $103.33 hourly
Maryland: $182,710 annually or $87.84 hourly
Massachusetts: $204,690 annually or $98.41 hourly
Michigan: $199,690 annually or $96.00 hourly
Minnesota: $221,640 annually or $106.56 hourly
Mississippi: Figures not available
Missouri: Figures not available
Montana: $256,460 annually or $123.30 hourly
Nebraska: Figures not available
New Hampshire: $196,000 annually or $94.36 hourly
New Jersey: $243,020 annually or $116.74 hourly
New Mexico: Figures not available
New York: $256,160 annually or $123.15 hourly
North Carolina: $189,060 annually or $90.89 hourly
North Dakota: $195,010 annually or $93.75 hourly
Ohio: $184,380 annually or $88.64 hourly
Oklahoma: $175,090 annually or $84.18 hourly
Oregon: $234,750 annually or $112.86 hourly
Pennsylvania: $174,240 annually or $83.77 hourly
South Carolina: $165,940 annually or $79.78 hourly
South Dakota: $190,880 annually or $91.77 hourly
Tennessee: $157,070 annually or $75.51 hourly
Texas: $167,020 annually or $80.30 hourly
Utah: $146,470 annually or $70.42 hourly
Virginia: $180,120 annually or $86.60 hourly
Washington: $192,440 annually or $92.52 hourly
West Virginia: $188,580 annually or $90.66 hourly
Wisconsin: $233,600 annually or $112.21 hourly
Wyoming: $243,310 annually or $116.88 hourly
Healthcare comes in fourth nationally regarding the highest average salaries, ranking above both the finance and legal industries. Within the healthcare field, Physicians out earn Nurses significantly. However, APRNs can earn more than some doctors, with CRNAs earning the highest wage of all nursing professionals. If you’re looking for a high-paying nursing job, a Nurse Anesthetist position might be exactly what you’re seeking.
CRNAs make more than any other type of nursing professional. Even compared to other APRNs, Nurse Anesthetists can count on earning the highest possible nursing salaries after graduation. In comparison, the average RN salary is about $86,000 per year. The average CRNA salary is about 2.4 times that amount.
Nurse Anesthetists make so much more than other types of nurses because of the extra years of school and training and the increased complexity and risk inherent in their job. Sedating someone and administering anesthesia is a complicated science, and small mistakes can lead to fatal consequences. When someone is put under during medical procedures, the CRNA has the difficult job of keeping them sedated enough to stay unconscious and pain-free during the procedure without causing any of the health risks sedation can cause. Anesthesiologists make more than almost anyone else in the medical field, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists have a higher annual wage than any other nurse precisely for this reason.
CRNA positions are forecast to constitute growing in popularity, with as much as a 40% projected growth rate. This works out to over 118,000 new CRNA positions added to the workforce. Overall, prospective Nurse Anesthetists can feel confident they’re making a great career choice, especially with locum tenens opportunities providing the chance to explore varied practice environments across the country.
While average Nurse Anesthetist salaries remain comfortably around $212,000, it is certainly possible for CRNAs to make upwards of $300,000. Wages are often higher in areas with a shortage of available healthcare staff, so Nurse Anesthetists willing to relocate to the highest-paying states can make the top end of the salary scale. CRNAs can also often increase their annual salary by racking up overtime hours or taking supplemental shifts with locum tenens assignments. For dedicated CRNAs in areas with demand or higher salaries, $300,000 in annual pay is certainly possible.
In some cases, CRNAs are able to earn more than physicians. While doctors usually make more than nurses, salaries vary depending on the specialty and licensure of each role. APRNs generally earn more than other nurses, and CRNAs are the highest-paid Advanced Practice Nurses in the industry. Factoring in the salary fluctuations that accompany different geographic areas, it is absolutely possible for CRNAs to make more than doctors in some cases.
CRNA programs, which are graduate-level courses undertaken after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), typically range from 2 to 3 years in length. The duration of these programs depends on various factors including the specific curriculum of the program, whether the student attends full-time or part-time, and the nature of the clinical residency requirements. Before enrolling in a CRNA program, candidates must also complete their BSN degree and gain significant hands-on experience in a critical care setting, which is a prerequisite for admission to most accredited CRNA programs. Additionally, licensure as a registered nurse is required prior to starting CRNA training.
CRNA work schedules can vary significantly by the hospital system or healthcare setting. Like other nursing professionals, Nurse Anesthetists often work shifts of 8, 12, or 24 hours, with the 24-hour shifts being quite common. Typically, a CRNA might work two 24-hour shifts per week, or perhaps combine a 24-hour shift with two 8-hour shifts to round out their schedule. While these long hours are part of the job, they usually mean more days off. For CRNAs looking for even greater flexibility, locum tenens positions can be an excellent option. Locum roles allow CRNAs to choose when and where they work, potentially leading to better work-life balance and opportunities to experience different clinical environments.
Nurse Anesthetist school tuition costs an average of $93,000. However, CRNA programs can either charge over double this amount or offer scholarships that make attendance completely free. The tuition cost is generally seen as a reasonable investment due to the high average nurse anesthetist salary made immediately after graduating. Some employers are willing to pay for the entirety of a CRNAs tuition in exchange for a commitment of years worked after they graduate.
Yes, locum CRNAs typically do earn more compared to their counterparts in traditional full-time roles. On average, locum CRNAs can expect to make about $32 more per hour. The actual rate can vary significantly depending on factors such as geographical location, the urgency of the need at the facility, the duration of the contract, and the CRNA’s level of experience and specialty skills. This premium in pay is part of what makes locum tenens an attractive option for many CRNAs looking for both higher earnings and the flexibility to control their work schedule.
Indeed, locum CRNAs typically enjoy higher earnings than those in permanent roles, making this a lucrative option for professionals seeking both financial and scheduling flexibility. At Caliber, we focus on a provider-centric approach to healthcare staffing, ensuring that you can elevate your medical career on your terms. If you're ready to explore the diverse and rewarding opportunities available as a locum CRNA, browse our job listings below or contact a Caliber recruiter today!
