Updated October 2026 with BLS May 2025 wage data.
How much does a CRNA make? Certified registered nurse anesthetists earn a median of $236,590 a year, making it the highest-paid nursing career in the US. In Alaska the median is $341,210, and in New York $321,030. Here is pay in every state the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
CRNA salary by state
| Rank | State | Median hourly | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $164.04 | $341,210 |
| 2 | New York | $154.34 | $321,030 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $142.09 | $295,550 |
| 4 | California | $140.58 | $292,410 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $140.07 | $291,350 |
| 6 | Illinois | $137.90 | $286,830 |
| 7 | Vermont | $136.09 | $283,060 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $133.91 | $278,380 |
| 9 | Montana | $133.36 | $277,380 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $132.68 | $275,980 |
| 11 | Washington | $131.92 | $274,390 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $131.33 | $273,170 |
| 13 | Iowa | $131.29 | $273,070 |
| 14 | Oregon | $130.93 | $272,330 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $127.98 | $266,190 |
| 16 | South Carolina | $127.64 | $265,480 |
| 17 | South Dakota | $126.89 | $263,930 |
| 18 | Idaho | $126.50 | $263,130 |
| 19 | Wyoming | $122.71 | $255,250 |
| 20 | Virginia | $121.21 | $252,110 |
| 21 | Arizona | $119.55 | $248,660 |
| 22 | Maine | $118.98 | $247,470 |
| 23 | Michigan | $118.76 | $247,010 |
| 24 | Nebraska | $118.62 | $246,730 |
| 25 | Texas | $117.78 | $244,990 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $117.42 | $244,240 |
| 27 | Missouri | $116.65 | $242,630 |
| 28 | Connecticut | $113.92 | $236,960 |
| 29 | Ohio | $111.45 | $231,810 |
| 30 | Georgia | $108.00 | $224,630 |
| 31 | North Carolina | $107.99 | $224,610 |
| 32 | Arkansas | $107.83 | $224,280 |
| 33 | Maryland | $107.28 | $223,140 |
| 34 | Kentucky | $106.98 | $222,520 |
| 35 | Louisiana | $106.80 | $222,130 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $106.50 | $221,530 |
| 37 | Kansas | $101.97 | $212,090 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $101.66 | $211,450 |
| 39 | Florida | $101.24 | $210,570 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $95.39 | $198,410 |
| 41 | Alabama | $91.49 | $190,300 |
| 42 | Oklahoma | $75.40 | $156,830 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $62.20 | $129,370 |
| 44 | Utah | $60.86 | $126,600 |
Why CRNA pay varies so much
- Practice model: in states that allow CRNAs to practise independently, and in rural areas where CRNAs are often the only anesthesia providers, demand and pay are high.
- Employment type: hospital employees, anesthesia groups, 1099 independent contractors and locum CRNAs earn very differently. Locum and contractor rates can far exceed the medians above.
- Overtime and call: call pay and extra cases add significantly to base salary.
- Surprisingly low figures for a few states (such as Utah and New Mexico) may reflect small samples, so treat them with caution.
How to become a CRNA
- Earn a BSN and an RN licence (see how to become an RN).
- Get critical care experience, typically 1–3 years in an ICU. Most successful applicants have the CCRN certification.
- Complete an accredited doctoral nurse anesthesia program (DNP or DNAP) of about 36 months. All new CRNAs must now graduate with a doctorate.
- Pass the National Certification Examination (NBCRNA).
- Get your state APRN licence, and recertify on the NBCRNA’s continued professional certification cycle.
Cost warning: CRNA programs are among the most expensive in nursing, and you usually cannot work during them. Federal graduate loan limits changed in July 2026, so read what CRNA students can borrow now before applying.
FAQ
What state pays CRNAs the most? Alaska ($341,210 median), followed by New York ($321,030) and Massachusetts ($295,550).
How long does it take to become a CRNA? About 7–10 years: a 4-year BSN, 1–3 years of ICU experience, and a roughly 3-year doctoral program.
Is the CRNA job market growing? Yes. BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035.
Related: Highest-paying nursing jobs · NP salary by state · Travel nurse pay
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025); BLS OEWS state data via Becker’s Hospital Review, “CRNA median pay by state” (July 15, 2026).