Anesthesiologist vs CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist): Salary Comparison
Anesthesiologists earn $128K more per year than CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)s on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anesthesiologist | CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $331,190 | $203,090 |
| Entry Level | $250,000 | $160,000 |
| Senior Level | $420,000 | $260,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $159/hr | $98/hr |
| Education | Medical Degree + Residency | Master's or Doctoral Degree |
| Category | Healthcare | Healthcare |
Which Pays More?
On average, Anesthesiologists earn $128K more per year than CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)s, with a median salary of $331,190 versus $203,090. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $338,000 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Anesthesiologist. Education and credentials also play a role: Anesthesiologists typically require Medical Degree + Residency, while CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)s need Master's or Doctoral Degree. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Anesthesiologist has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Anesthesiologist | CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $470,000 | $288,000 |
| California | $457,000 | $280,000 |
| New York | $424,000 | $260,000 |
| Alaska | $414,000 | $254,000 |
| Massachusetts | $414,000 | $254,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anesthesiologist or CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) pay more?
Anesthesiologist pays more on average at $331,190/year, compared to $203,090/year for CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) — a difference of $128,100/year.
What is the salary difference between Anesthesiologist and CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)?
The median salary gap is $128,100/year ($128K), with Anesthesiologist earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Anesthesiologist or CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)?
Anesthesiologist grows from $250,000 to $420,000 (a $170,000 increase). CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist) grows from $160,000 to $260,000 (a $100,000 increase). Anesthesiologist shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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