CRNA Salary: How Much Money Do CRNAs Make?

Curious about the real financial benefits of a career in Nurse Anesthesia? The topic of becoming a CRNA – and how earning a CRNA salary could impact your wallet- is the topic of today’s post. Packed with insights and resources to help you decide if this high-responsibility, high-reward career is your next big move, read the post below to uncover if becoming a CRNA is worth it!

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How Much Money Will You Make as a Nurse Anesthetist?

In the last post, we tackled the rumor of CRNA and over-saturation (in case you missed it- the market is NOT over-saturated) In fact, the job outlook for CRNAs is great!

But many of you may be wondering another question- specifically, what’s the financial benefit of becoming a CRNA?

After all, you do invest SEVERAL years of schooling & work just to meet the requirements to get into CRNA school… then you get three more years of schooling 😅

I’ve got the lowdown for you on CRNA salary details PLUS resources to help you determine-or solidify- if becoming a CRNA is right for YOU. 

CRNA Salary Details

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing specialties. As of the most recent report, the mean annual wage for nurse anesthetists is $214,200. This figure places CRNAs at the top tier of nursing earnings, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required in administering anesthesia.

But that’s not all—the top 25% of CRNAs earn even more than that! $239,200 can be expected by some CRNAs annually, demonstrating the substantial earning potential in this field. 

These earnings vary by geographic location, workplace setting, and experience, but consistently, CRNAs enjoy excellent compensation that rewards their advanced skills and critical role in healthcare settings. 

For example, a CRNA working in “Non-metropolitan West Central Illinois” (who knew the BLS could be so specific?) makes a mean salary of $293,630 💰

Other notable statistics from the BLS report include:

Industries with Highest Level of Nurse Anesthetist Employment: 

• Offices of Physicians
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Offices of Other Healthcare Practitioners
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools

Top Paying Industries for Nurse Anesthetists:

• Outpatient Care Centers
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Specialty Hospitals (except Psychiatric/Substance Abuse Hospitals)
• Home Health Care Services
• Offices of Physicians

States with the Highest Employment Levels of Nurse Anesthetists:

• Texas
• Florida
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Pennsylvania

Top Paying States for Nurse Anesthetists:

• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New York
• Vermont

Is CRNA Worth It For You?

Deciding whether to pursue a career as a CRNA is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors that are uniquely yours. 

While we can’t answer that question for you, here’s a few things to reflect on when determining if becoming a Nurse Anesthetist is the right fit for you :

Time Commitment: CRNA programs are rigorous and time-intensive requiring at least 3 years of dedicated study beyond nursing school and bedside experience. 

Financial Investment: While the career is well-compensated, the cost of CRNA schooling can be substantial…some programs are over $200,000 in tuition. Weigh the upfront cost against the long-term financial benefits. 

Another consideration: How many working years do you have left before you plan to retire? How would doubling your bedside salary make a difference in that?

Stress and Responsibility: The role of a CRNA involves high-stakes situations where quick decision-making and precision are critical. Reflect on how comfortable you are with this level of responsibility and stress.

Evaluating these factors will help you determine if pursuing a career as a CRNA aligns with your personal circumstances and professional goals, ensuring that the path you choose is both fulfilling and sustainable.

👉Need some more resources to help you evaluate these questions? We’ve got you! Check these out below: 

Is Becoming a CRNA Worth It?

How Much Debt Will You Have After CRNA School?

Am I Too Old To Pursue CRNA?

Can You Survive CRNA School with Kids?

I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the questions and resources above. 

I also want to remind you that becoming a CRNA is about more than JUST the financial reward. It’s crucial you know your WHY beyond the $ to ensure you stand-out in applications and interviews.

Whether you’re drawn to the financial freedom you may find or the profound impact on patient care, a career as a CRNA offers both personal and professional fulfillment.

Want more insights? Join us on social! You can catch an Instagram LIVE with me, and follow along for TONs more insights into a career in Nurse Anesthesia.

Find us @CRNASchoolPrepAcademy on your favorite platforms

Until next time- we are rooting for you, Future CRNA! 🙌

-Jenny MSN, CRNA and CSPA Founder + The Team at CRNA School Prep Academy

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Important Links

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com