Salary & Job Market
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.
- $236,590
- Median Salary (BLS, May 2025)
- ~60,000
- CRNAs Nationwide
- ~9%
- Job Growth (2024–2034)
- DNP
- Required (since 2025)
National pay
Median CRNA salary is $236,590/yr (BLS, May 2025); the mean is higher at $248,320 ($119.38/hr). Experienced or specialized CRNAs can exceed $280k. CRNAs are the highest-paid advanced practice registered nurses.
Top-paying states
~$311,110 mean (highest)
~$303,310 mean
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
Pay tracks local markets and living costs.
Outpatient and surgical centers often pay more than hospitals.
Senior CRNAs command higher compensation.
Cardiac, neuro, and pediatric anesthesia can pay a premium.
Call coverage and overtime add meaningfully to total pay.
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.
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 (OEWS, May 2025) and cited industry sources; actual pay varies by location, experience, setting, and employment type. Verify current data at the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.