CRNA Salaries by Workplace
Setting has a large effect on pay. The figures below are average annual wages by industry, ranked highest to lowest, per BLS data.
| Employer | Average annual wage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers (ambulatory surgical centers, pain management clinics) | $263,960 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals (hospital suites, labor and delivery, public health centers) | $234,250 |
| Specialty hospitals (critical access, surgical centers, military and veterans' hospitals) | $229,980 |
| Physicians' offices (podiatry, sports medicine clinics) | $214,890 |
| Colleges and universities (campus clinics, teaching hospitals, administration) | $211,540 |
| Offices of other health practitioners (dental offices, CNM group practices, ophthalmology) | $124,450 |
Salary by Location
Where you live also shapes your earning power. Top-paying states tend to be those with rural areas where it is harder to attract healthcare workers and, in many cases, full practice authority for CRNAs. The specific ranking shifts year to year, so check current BLS state data for the latest figures before making a decision based on location.
Other Benefits and Perks
Beyond competitive salaries, many employers also cover:
- Continuing education required to maintain CRNA certification
- Leadership training to help CRNAs advance
- Malpractice insurance, which runs roughly $4,000 a year for fulltime CRNAs and about $2,200 for parttime
Travel work is another option. Because CRNAs are needed in nearly every setting, you can take short-term assignments lasting two to six months. Depending on demand from shortages, unfilled positions, leaves, or emergencies, travel CRNAs can often choose assignments by location and specialty, and they typically receive above-average pay plus paid housing and untaxed stipends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make?
Per the BLS (OEWS 29-1151, May 2024), CRNAs earn a mean annual wage of $223,210 and a median of about $212,650, the highest pay among advanced practice registered nurses.
Which work setting pays CRNAs the most?
Outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgical centers and pain management clinics, report the highest average CRNA wages at about $263,960, ahead of general medical and surgical hospitals near $234,250 and specialty hospitals near $229,980 (BLS industry data).
Why do CRNA salaries vary so much by state?
Top-paying states tend to have rural areas where it is harder to recruit healthcare workers, and many also grant CRNAs full practice authority. State rankings shift year to year, so check current BLS state data before relocating for pay.
Do CRNAs earn more than other advanced practice nurses?
Yes. CRNAs out-earn nurse practitioners and nurse midwives by a wide margin. Within anesthesia care, only physician anesthesiologists earn more.
What benefits do CRNA employers typically offer?
Beyond salary, many employers cover continuing education required for certification, leadership training, and malpractice insurance, which runs roughly $4,000 a year for fulltime CRNAs and about $2,200 for parttime.
Can travel CRNA work pay more than a staff job?
Often, yes. Travel CRNAs take short assignments of two to six months and typically receive above-average pay plus paid housing and untaxed stipends, though income varies with demand and assignment length.