13 answers
Emerson
Student
Apex, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
3236 views
Do CRNA's really make as much as Google says they do?
I'm in a financial position where I need to aspire to get a job that pays 150k+. Google says that CRNA's fit that criteria, but I'm skeptical.
13 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1899
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Emerson the steps to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) typically take 7-9 years to complete. Before beginning a CRNA degree program, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. You’ll also need at least one year of experience in an acute care setting such as an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency room (ER), though you might need more depending on the acceptance requirements of your Doctorate of Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).
STEP 1️⃣ BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step in working toward a career as a CRNA is to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). This undergraduate program typically takes four years to complete. When completing a BSN, it's important to maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0 as you prepare to apply for a CRNA program in the future.
STEP 2️⃣ PASS THE NCLEX-RN EXAM
To become Registered Nurse (RN), it's a requirement to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Plan to take the NCLEX in the state you wish to practice nursing, and become familiar with state requirements for initial licensing and renewal.
STEP 3️⃣ 1-YEAR ACUTE CARE EXPERIENCE
Gain experience in an acute care setting
Plan to work in an acute care setting for at least a year before applying to a nurse anesthesia program. While all programs require a minimum of one year of nursing experience in acute care, your chances of getting accepted may increase if you work in the critical care setting. By getting experience in an Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Department, you may have exposure to the type of care you may deliver when you become a CRNA, like managing artificial airways and titrating drips. In the critical care setting, you have the opportunity to work alongside CRNAs.
STEP 4️⃣ EARN YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), meaning it's necessary for them to get a master's or doctoral degree to practice. Currently, programs are accepting candidates for a Master of Science in nurse anesthesia, which typically takes about two years to complete your DNAP.
STEP 5️⃣ NBCRNA CERTIFICATION
In every state, nurse anesthetists must hold certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). For certification, you must pass an exam that measures your nurse anesthesia knowledge and skills. The test topics include basic sciences, equipment and instrumentation, and general anesthesia principles. It also covers anesthesia for surgical procedures and special populations.
CRNA SALARY
The salary of a Certified Nurse Anesthetist in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and hospital size. The Average salary for CRNAs typically ranges from $221,000 to $278,000.
I hope this was helpful Emerson
STEP 1️⃣ BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step in working toward a career as a CRNA is to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). This undergraduate program typically takes four years to complete. When completing a BSN, it's important to maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0 as you prepare to apply for a CRNA program in the future.
STEP 2️⃣ PASS THE NCLEX-RN EXAM
To become Registered Nurse (RN), it's a requirement to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Plan to take the NCLEX in the state you wish to practice nursing, and become familiar with state requirements for initial licensing and renewal.
STEP 3️⃣ 1-YEAR ACUTE CARE EXPERIENCE
Gain experience in an acute care setting
Plan to work in an acute care setting for at least a year before applying to a nurse anesthesia program. While all programs require a minimum of one year of nursing experience in acute care, your chances of getting accepted may increase if you work in the critical care setting. By getting experience in an Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Department, you may have exposure to the type of care you may deliver when you become a CRNA, like managing artificial airways and titrating drips. In the critical care setting, you have the opportunity to work alongside CRNAs.
STEP 4️⃣ EARN YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), meaning it's necessary for them to get a master's or doctoral degree to practice. Currently, programs are accepting candidates for a Master of Science in nurse anesthesia, which typically takes about two years to complete your DNAP.
STEP 5️⃣ NBCRNA CERTIFICATION
In every state, nurse anesthetists must hold certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). For certification, you must pass an exam that measures your nurse anesthesia knowledge and skills. The test topics include basic sciences, equipment and instrumentation, and general anesthesia principles. It also covers anesthesia for surgical procedures and special populations.
CRNA SALARY
The salary of a Certified Nurse Anesthetist in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and hospital size. The Average salary for CRNAs typically ranges from $221,000 to $278,000.
I hope this was helpful Emerson
Thank you for the advice.
Emerson
Thank You Karin. There’s no time like the present, no present like time.
Doc Frick
Thank You Michelle. A candle loses nothing of its light when lighting another.
Doc Frick
Thank You Patrick. Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.
Doc Frick
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
458
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Emerson - great question, but my research matches yours (see links below). I picked sources from the nursing field, careers, and government, and they are consistent. It makes sense because of the advanced education and experience required, as well as the responsibilities of the job. See Doc Frick's answer for an expansion of those points.
Please also keep in mind that salaries will vary by location, type and size of employer, and how much overtime you choose to do. Hope this helps - good luck!
Nurse.org - https://nurse.org/resources/nurse-anesthetist-salary/
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/how-much-does-a-nurse-anesthetist-make
Bureau of Labor Statistics - https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291151.htm
Please also keep in mind that salaries will vary by location, type and size of employer, and how much overtime you choose to do. Hope this helps - good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Adrian Ellis
Merchant Representative Customer Service
1
Answer
Youngstown, Ohio
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Yes, but check often, Search engines provide the latest and circumstantial informatory information that is invested into being super up to date!
Edward Baumel
Product Manager
10
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Edward’s Answer
If you're interested in becoming a CRNA, it's important to know that not all states have this role. Check which states do, so you can decide where you'd like to live. Also, consider finding a CRNA school in your chosen state. This can make it easier to find a job there. Keep going, and you'll find the right path for you!
On a side note, there are a lot of careers that can offer that sort of salary. Do your best to find the one that you will enjoy the most before you commit to one! Being a CRNA is a highly specific career with low transferability to other industries.
On a side note, there are a lot of careers that can offer that sort of salary. Do your best to find the one that you will enjoy the most before you commit to one! Being a CRNA is a highly specific career with low transferability to other industries.
Jadie DeLeon
Tax Consultant
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jadie’s Answer
Yes being a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) is a very lucrative career choice. However, please don't confuse this with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The education requirements and pay are drastically different.
Yep - My wife is a CRNA at a local hospital and makes very good money. The shifts are definitely tough, but you only work three days a week typically. She had to do 2 years as a regular nurse in an ICU and three years of schooling which wasn't easy (or cheap). It's a great career though! She loves it and wouldn't change her choice for anything
Rhys Dodd
Kyle Hunsinger
Consultant
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hello!
Short answer is YES CRNA is a highly lucrative role.
That said, be sure to fully research the timeline and required steps to become a CRNA as it requires extensive education and training. If you are interested in becoming a CRNA as a career, I recommend shadowing a CRNA to better understand their functions and how their responsibilities vary from those of anesthesiologists.
Best of luck, you are right on track!
Kyle
Short answer is YES CRNA is a highly lucrative role.
That said, be sure to fully research the timeline and required steps to become a CRNA as it requires extensive education and training. If you are interested in becoming a CRNA as a career, I recommend shadowing a CRNA to better understand their functions and how their responsibilities vary from those of anesthesiologists.
Best of luck, you are right on track!
Kyle
Alena Smiley, MBA, SPCP (Active Top Secret/SCI), Veteran
Solutions Analyst
2
Answers
Ludowici, Georgia
Updated
Alena’s Answer
Yes, CRNA’s typically make around $239,985, with a median pay of $212,650, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) and ZipRecruiter.
Shubham Daterao
Consulting
4
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
Shubham’s Answer
Yes, CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) really do earn high salaries, typically between $160,000 and $220,000 per year, with some making over $250,000 depending on experience and location. They earn this much because they handle a critical, high-risk role in healthcare—administering anesthesia. However, becoming a CRNA takes about 7–8 years after high school, including a nursing degree, ICU experience, and a graduate degree in nurse anesthesia. It’s a well-paying career, but it requires serious commitment and training.
Brian Martin Gomez, M.S., PSM-I
Management Consultant (Federal Government)
12
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Brian’s Answer
They aren't lying to you! But that's an estimate, meaning that Google pulled together salaries from a round the world to generate an averaged out number.
A better way of understanding the salary you're likely to get is by looking at your local postings/postings for cities that you're interested in working in. Furthermore, you can also look at the statistics of nursing schools you're interested in -- sometimes they share salary outcome data for their specific students.
A better way of understanding the salary you're likely to get is by looking at your local postings/postings for cities that you're interested in working in. Furthermore, you can also look at the statistics of nursing schools you're interested in -- sometimes they share salary outcome data for their specific students.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Emerson,
Indeed they do. CRNA's are one of the highest paid specialized hourly workers. They have the benefit of not just high wages but unique scheduling opportunities as well. It's not uncommon for some to work 24 hour shifts and be on call during that time. 2 of those shifts a week gets them 48 hours worth of pay. That's 40 hours at regular pay and then overtime pay for 8 hours. This then gives them either 5 full days off, or they can work an additional day or days all at an overtime rate. So the opportunity to make ALOT of money is high. (this is just an example of how some work, others do 5 8 hour shifts, 4 10 hour shifts, 3 16 hour shifts, and I'm sure a host of other variations. ) All this while still potentially having more days than many other career fields to spend away from work. I know several people through college that went on this path and none of them regret it.
Note that again it's highly specialized so your ability to "pivot" to other things isn't as high but if you love the job then you will have a great and highly lucrative career.
Indeed they do. CRNA's are one of the highest paid specialized hourly workers. They have the benefit of not just high wages but unique scheduling opportunities as well. It's not uncommon for some to work 24 hour shifts and be on call during that time. 2 of those shifts a week gets them 48 hours worth of pay. That's 40 hours at regular pay and then overtime pay for 8 hours. This then gives them either 5 full days off, or they can work an additional day or days all at an overtime rate. So the opportunity to make ALOT of money is high. (this is just an example of how some work, others do 5 8 hour shifts, 4 10 hour shifts, 3 16 hour shifts, and I'm sure a host of other variations. ) All this while still potentially having more days than many other career fields to spend away from work. I know several people through college that went on this path and none of them regret it.
Note that again it's highly specialized so your ability to "pivot" to other things isn't as high but if you love the job then you will have a great and highly lucrative career.
Julie B
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Howell
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Becoming a CRNA requires additional nursing education and clinical hours. You have to complete your nursing program and have a BSN in order to apply to a program for becoming a CRNA. You may have additional class, or requirements including working as a Registered Nurse in certain u it's such as ICU, ED, Surgery and courses to complete in school before beginning the CRNA program. Most schools require pre entrance exams in order to apply to a program. It depends on the CRNA program how long you will be in school. Most are usually two additional years for the program alone after becoming a Registered Nurse. This can get expensive financially and you should be prepared for possible resources. The pay rate will depend on location you work, how many years of experience, the hospital system you work for and possibly area of experience in specialities ( the type including Transplant Teams, Neurology, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, Cardiology, Cancer, Orthopedics, General Medicine and many others.
Complete Nursing School
Get experience as a Registered Nurse
Experience in ICU, ED or OR surgery.
Complete Prerequisites
Application to CRNA Program
Julie recommends the following next steps:
Alex Morgan
Nurse Anesthesiologist
11
Answers
Blackfoot, Idaho
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Emerson,
I am a CRNA and I can add insights into what has already been shared!
CRNAs do make well over $150k per year on average. The national average depending on the source you look at is just over $200k. Some jobs can be as low as $150k per year but others can be more than double. Just a month ago I was looking at a job posting for 400k! This varies by state quite a bit. As has already been said it does take a lot of hard work and schooling to become a CRNA. That being said, I can attest that is worth it! I love my career! If the medical field interests you then I would highly recommend looking into being a CRNA. Go shadow a CRNA at a local hospital. There is job opportunities almost anywhere you would want to live, each with their own pros and cons. Your work schedule as a CRNA can be very versatile. You can work in different specialties (like pediatrics, open hearts, general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics). Most CRNA jobs you will be doing anesthesia for all sorts of surgery specialties everyday. It truly is a great career path!
Couple of pieces of information to clarify for you.
1. All CRNA programs nation wide are now doctorate programs which means 3 years of graduate school.
2. CRNAs can practice (and do) in every state in the country.
Please let me know if there is any questions you have about the path to becoming a CRNA! I am an open book!
I am a CRNA and I can add insights into what has already been shared!
CRNAs do make well over $150k per year on average. The national average depending on the source you look at is just over $200k. Some jobs can be as low as $150k per year but others can be more than double. Just a month ago I was looking at a job posting for 400k! This varies by state quite a bit. As has already been said it does take a lot of hard work and schooling to become a CRNA. That being said, I can attest that is worth it! I love my career! If the medical field interests you then I would highly recommend looking into being a CRNA. Go shadow a CRNA at a local hospital. There is job opportunities almost anywhere you would want to live, each with their own pros and cons. Your work schedule as a CRNA can be very versatile. You can work in different specialties (like pediatrics, open hearts, general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics). Most CRNA jobs you will be doing anesthesia for all sorts of surgery specialties everyday. It truly is a great career path!
Couple of pieces of information to clarify for you.
1. All CRNA programs nation wide are now doctorate programs which means 3 years of graduate school.
2. CRNAs can practice (and do) in every state in the country.
Please let me know if there is any questions you have about the path to becoming a CRNA! I am an open book!
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
33
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Yes, CRNA's can make great money. Remember though, it is a long road to get to that point. Research the educational requirements as well as the pros and cons of the profession before committing to it for the income alone. Recognize the high stress and responsibility that can come with being a CRNA. Is this something you can see yourself doing 5 days a week for the rest of your adult life? Is this something you are passionate about?
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