No matter whether you’re just getting started in your career or you’re looking to move on to a new opportunity, there are a lot of different places you could choose to live. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best places for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to live. The list includes average salary in each of the top states, the concentration, or location quotient, of the profession in each state, and the difference between the national average salary and the average salary per state. We’ve also included a breakdown of degrees held by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists across the United States.
National Average: $255,078
New Jersey:
Average Salary: $287,792
According to ZipRecruiter, New Jersey CRNA's reportedly earn 12.8% more than the national average.
Wisconsin:
Average Salary: $281,757
Alaska:
Average Salary: $274,100
Massachusetts:
Average Salary: $273,729
Oregon:
Average Salary: $272,846
Washington:
Average Salary: $272,833
North Dakota:
Average Salary: $272,105
New Mexico:
Average Salary: $270,272
Minnesota:
Average Salary: $266,964
Iowa:
Average Salary: $252,191
The demand for Nurse Anesthetists is projected to grow by 45% over the next decade, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and the expansion of healthcare services to rural and underserved areas. Compensation varies widely by level of autonomy in each state, provider scarcity, cost of living, and practice settings.
Strategies to Increase CRNA Earnings:
Advanced Education and Certifications
CRNAs holding advanced degrees or certifications such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) are often able to command higher salaries. Specialization in areas like cardiac anesthesia or pain management further enhances a CRNA’s earning potential.
Additional Responsibilities and Roles
Taking on leadership roles or participating in administrative duties can also lead to higher earnings. CRNAs with responsibilities such as clinical coordination or educational training provision are often compensated more for their expanded roles.
To maximize their income potential, CRNAs can pursue several strategic approaches:
- Pursue Specializations: Specializing in a high-demand field of anesthesia can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
- Explore Various Healthcare Settings: Working in high-demand settings such as trauma centers may offer more lucrative compensation.
- Negotiate Effectively: Armed with knowledge of industry standards, CRNAs can negotiate for better salaries and benefits packages.
- Seek Leadership Positions: Positions like lead CRNA or clinical coordinator offer higher pay due to increased responsibilities.
Perks and Benefits for CRNAs
Beyond salary, CRNAs enjoy various benefits that enhance job satisfaction and quality of life. These perks include:
- Flexible Scheduling: Many CRNAs can choose their work hours, allowing for a balanced personal and professional life.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: This typically includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.
- Continuing Education Support: Many employers offer financial assistance for continuing education, which is vital for maintaining competency and fulfilling certification requirements.
- Travel Opportunities: CRNAs may also have the opportunity to work in different locations as travel nurses or locum tenens, adding variety and potentially higher pay through different assignments.
Looking for your next perfect practice opportunity as a CRNA? Browse our easy-to-use job board with search criteria on compensation, location, and much more!
Laura Kleffner is the VP of Marketing Operations at PracticeMatch.
She has been with PracticeMatch since 2014. Laura is responsible for the PracticeMatch marketing strategy to reach physicians as well as healthcare organizations with a need for physician recruitment resources.