CRNA Salary & Job Market

CRNAs are the highest-paid nursing professionals in the U.S. Here's what they earn, where pay is highest, what drives it, and where the job market is headed.

$223,210: Median Salary (BLS, May 2024)
~60,000: CRNAs Nationwide
~9%: Job Growth (2024–2034)
DNP: Required (since 2025)

National pay

Median CRNA salary is $223,210/yr (BLS, May 2024); some sources cite a mean near $231,700 ($111.39/hr). Experienced or specialized CRNAs can exceed $260k. CRNAs are the highest-paid advanced practice registered nurses.

Top-paying states

Illinois

~$281,240 mean

Massachusetts

~$272,510 mean

California

Among the highest (cost of living + demand)

Many rural-heavy states also pay competitively to attract providers. For full state-by-state data, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What drives CRNA pay

Geography & cost of living

Pay tracks local markets and living costs.

Practice setting

Outpatient and surgical centers often pay more than hospitals.

Years of experience

Senior CRNAs command higher compensation.

Subspecialty

Cardiac, neuro, and pediatric anesthesia can pay a premium.

Call & overtime

Call coverage and overtime add meaningfully to total pay.

Employment type

Staff (W-2) vs. 1099 / locums changes the rate and benefits mix.

Is it worth it?

Becoming a CRNA means a BSN ($35k–$95k) plus a DNP program ($50k–$200k) and several years of training, but the salary makes for a strong long-term return.

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Job outlook

Employment is projected to grow ~9% from 2024–2034, much faster than average. CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in a majority of rural U.S. hospitals, sustaining demand.

Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024) and cited industry sources; actual pay varies by location, experience, setting, and employment type. Verify current data at the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.