As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a CRNA in the United States is $243,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $117.
However, a CRNA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CRNA's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CRNA's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CRNA | $239,098 |
| Intermediate Level CRNA | $241,391 |
| Senior Level CRNA | $260,002 |
| Specialist Level CRNA | $261,673 |
| Expert Level CRNA | $262,786 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CRNAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.43% |
| Life Support | 3.32% |
| Nursing Practice | 1.63% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Professional Communication
|
$269,953 |
11%
|
|
Physiology
|
$267,521 |
10%
|
|
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
|
$257,793 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$252,929 |
4%
|
|
Patient Safety
|
$252,929 |
4%
|
|
Listening
|
$252,929 |
4%
|
CRNA salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $258,299. While startup companies pay approximate $219,999.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $219,999 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $232,261 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $249,865 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $258,299 |
For CRNA roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, CRNA positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view CRNA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $279,681 | $134.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CRNAs enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CRNA with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $211,710 and $220,552).
CRNA Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 7.4% |
| Associates | 2.4% |
| Bachelors | 15.1% |
| Masters | 68.7% |
| Doctorate | 5.7% |
Understanding how a CRNA's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a CRNA, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $259,500 - a projected growth of 7% over your current level.
Salaries for a CRNA can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $215,894 in 2023 to around $209,773 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CRNA salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $215,894 |
| 2024 | $214,072 |
| 2025 | $209,773 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for CRNA roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
According to the latest salary data, the minimum salary for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is $207,501, with a mid-range salary of $223,001 and a maximum salary of $240,401. While Connecticut is noted for high CRNA salaries, the average annual salary across the U.S. is around $208,000, reflecting significant earning potential in this profession.
The average cost of CRNA school typically ranges from $100,000 to $120,000, with some programs costing up to $200,000. Given the potential salaries for CRNAs, which range from $207,501 to $240,401, the investment in education can lead to a lucrative career, despite the financial burden during the program.
CRNAs earn significantly more than nurse practitioners. Based on recent salary data, CRNAs have a minimum salary of $207,501, a mid-range salary of $223,001, and a maximum salary of $240,401. In contrast, nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $109,820, highlighting the substantial income difference between the two professions.
CRNA school generally takes two to three years to complete. These programs enhance your understanding of pharmacology, pain management, biology, and pathophysiology. Upon graduation, CRNAs can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $207,501 to a maximum of $240,401, with a mid-salary of $223,001, reflecting the advanced skills and responsibilities in this field.
As a nurse anesthetist, you can expect a salary range between $207,501 and $240,401, with a mid-salary of $223,001. While states like Illinois and Massachusetts report higher averages, the salary data indicates that CRNAs generally earn within this range across various locations.
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) typically works two 24-hour shifts each week. They may also work 8 or 12-hour shifts depending on the situation. The salary for CRNAs ranges from a minimum of $207,501 to a maximum of $240,401, with a mid-salary of $223,001, reflecting the demanding nature of their work.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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