CRNA vs anesthesiologist
The May 2025 national median wage was $236,590 for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151) and $391,490 for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211), according to BLS OEWS.
Updated August 2026 · Verified August 13, 2026 · Next review November 13, 2026 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · OOH education notes
Sourced comparison only
CRNA vs anesthesiologist side by side
Pay figures are May 2025 OEWS medians. Education and license rows follow BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook wording. Training length beyond those sources is omitted.
| Topic | CRNA | Anesthesiologist |
|---|---|---|
| National median pay (May 2025) | $236,590 | $391,490 |
| BLS occupation | Nurse Anesthetists (29-1151) | Anesthesiologists (29-1211) |
| Typical entry education (BLS OOH) | APRNs must earn at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. | Doctoral or professional degree, plus internship/residency. |
| Additional training (BLS OOH) | APRN programs typically include classroom education and clinical experience. A DNP or Ph.D. is optional in the OOH description. | After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency. Residencies typically last 3 to 9 years depending on specialty. |
| License | State RN license, national certification exam, and state APRN license. | State medical license after accredited medical school and residency in the specialty. |
Compare the occupations. Then look at CRNA and RN openings.
Use the national medians as a benchmark, then browse roles that match your license and training path.
CRNA wage range
Nurse anesthetist percentiles (SOC 29-1151)
| Percentile | Hourly wage | Annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $74.64 | $155,250 |
| 25th | $99.39 | $206,730 |
| 50th | $113.75 | $236,590 |
| 75th | $141.51 | $294,350 |
| 90th | $163.22 | $339,500 |
Anesthesiologist wage range
Anesthesiologist percentiles (SOC 29-1211)
| Percentile | Hourly wage | Annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $48.78 | $101,460 |
| 25th | $99.52 | $207,000 |
| 50th | $188.22 | $391,490 |
| 75th | $235.83 | $490,530 |
| 90th | $267.85 | $557,130 |
Primary sources
BLS OEWS and Occupational Outlook Handbook
Verified August 13, 2026. Next review November 13, 2026.
- BLS OEWS nurse anesthetists 29-1151 — May 2025
- O*NET anesthesiologists 29-1211 — May 2025, retrieved 2026-08-13
- BLS OOH APRNs (CRNA education) — OOH, current handbook (retrieved 2026-08-13)
- BLS OOH physicians and surgeons — OOH, current handbook (retrieved 2026-08-13)
Common questions
CRNA vs anesthesiologist FAQ
Who makes more, a CRNA or an anesthesiologist?
The May 2025 national median wage was $236,590 for nurse anesthetists and $391,490 for anesthesiologists, according to BLS OEWS. Local pay and employment setting change take-home amounts.
What education does BLS list for each role?
BLS OOH says APRNs, including nurse anesthetists, must earn at least a master’s degree in an APRN role, plus RN licensure, national certification, and a state APRN license. Physicians and surgeons typically need a doctoral or professional degree and internship/residency training.
Does this page rank autonomy or independent practice?
No. Scope and supervision rules are set by state law and facilities. This comparison uses BLS wages and OOH education/licensure only.
Are CRNA state medians on this page?
National percentiles are here. Use the CRNA salary calculator for state pages built from the same May 2025 OEWS series.
Do these medians include overtime or bonuses?
No. OEWS wage estimates are occupational wages, not total compensation packages.
Is a CRNA a type of anesthesiologist?
No. BLS classifies nurse anesthetists as SOC 29-1151 and anesthesiologists as SOC 29-1211. They are different occupations.
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