## Overview
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in the United States. In 2025, the average CRNA salary ranges from $180,000 to $280,000 depending on location, experience, and practice setting.
National Average
The national average CRNA salary in 2025 is approximately $215,000 per year, with significant variation by state and metro area.
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $185,000 |
| Median | $215,000 |
| 75th percentile | $250,000 |
| Top 10% | $300,000+ |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for CRNAs
| Rank | State | Average Salary | COL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $265,000 | $195,000 |
| 2 | New York | $255,000 | $185,000 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $248,000 | $190,000 |
| 4 | Washington | $245,000 | $200,000 |
| 5 | Oregon | $238,000 | $195,000 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $242,000 | $185,000 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $240,000 | $190,000 |
| 8 | Texas | $225,000 | $215,000 |
| 9 | Florida | $218,000 | $205,000 |
| 10 | North Carolina | $210,000 | $210,000 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living
Factors Affecting CRNA Salaries
1. Geographic Location Urban areas and states with full practice authority tend to pay more. California and New York lead in raw numbers, but consider cost of living.
2. Practice Setting
- Hospitals — $200,000 - $250,000
- Outpatient Surgery Centers — $210,000 - $260,000
- Private Practices — $220,000 - $280,000
- Locum Tenens — $180,000 - $350,000+ (variable)
3. Experience Level
- New Graduate — $175,000 - $200,000
- 3-5 Years — $200,000 - $230,000
- 5-10 Years — $220,000 - $260,000
- 10+ Years — $240,000 - $300,000+
4. Call Requirements Jobs with no call typically pay 5-15% less than those requiring call coverage.
5. Practice Model Independent practice states may offer higher salaries due to increased demand and autonomy.
States with Full Practice Authority
CRNAs in these states can practice independently without physician supervision:
- Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho
- Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota
- Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico
- North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont
- Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Best Value States (High Pay, Low COL)
When adjusting for cost of living, these states offer the best value:
- Texas — High salaries, no state income tax
- North Carolina — Growing healthcare market
- Tennessee — No state income tax, reasonable COL
- Florida — No state income tax, strong job market
- Georgia — Competitive salaries, lower COL
Salary Negotiation Tips
- Research local market rates — Use this guide as a starting point
- Consider total compensation — Benefits, retirement, malpractice coverage
- Evaluate call requirements — No-call positions are valuable
- Look at practice model — Independent practice = more leverage
- Negotiate sign-on bonuses — Common in competitive markets
Conclusion
CRNA salaries continue to be strong in 2025, with opportunities across all 50 states. When evaluating offers, consider not just the base salary but also cost of living, tax implications, call requirements, and practice autonomy.
Data compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics, AANA surveys, and Anesearch job postings as of January 2025.