How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Plan and administer anesthesia and keep patients safe through surgery, one of the highest-paid advanced practice nursing roles. It typically requires a doctoral degree (dnp/dnap), with a median salary of $236,590 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$236,590/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
2,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Anesthesia Management
- Critical Care
- Pharmacology
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- CRNA (NBCRNA certification)
- RN licensure + ICU experience
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) make?
The median pay for a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is $236,590 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (dnp/dnap). Common majors are Nursing and Biology.
Is Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 2,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) use most?
Common skills for this role are Anesthesia Management, Critical Care, Pharmacology, Monitoring, and Critical Thinking.
Planning to become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.