What Is a CRNA? Salary, Career Path, and Is Becoming a CRNA Worth It?

If you’re a registered nurse researching advanced practice careers, chances are you’ve come across the role of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). With six-figure salaries, high autonomy, and strong job demand, CRNAs are consistently ranked among the top nursing careers in the United States.

But what does a CRNA actually do? How much do CRNAs really make? And is the journey to becoming a CRNA worth the time, cost, and intensity?

This guide breaks everything down clearly and honestly.

What Is a CRNA?

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in anesthesia care. CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgeries, procedures, and pain management across hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient clinics, and military settings.

CRNAs work independently or in collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, depending on state laws and practice models.

CRNAs are responsible for:

• Pre-anesthesia patient assessment
• Administering general, regional, and local anesthesia
• Monitoring patients during procedures
• Managing airways and vital signs
• Post-anesthesia care and pain control

In many rural and underserved areas, CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers, delivering safe, high-quality care with a high level of autonomy.

How Much Do CRNAs Make?

CRNA salaries are one of the biggest reasons nurses pursue this path.

On average, CRNAs earn between $170,000 and $220,000 per year, with some earning significantly more depending on location, experience, and employment structure.

Factors that influence CRNA salary include:

• State and region
• Practice setting (hospital vs outpatient vs locums)
• W-2 vs 1099 (independent contractor)
• Call requirements
• Years of experience

Many CRNAs also have opportunities to increase income through:

• Overtime or call pay
• Locum tenens contracts
• Rural or high-demand locations

Wise CRNA will soon offer a detailed CRNA salary calculator so you can estimate your earning potential by state and job type.

How Do You Become a CRNA?

The path to becoming a CRNA is demanding but structured.

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

You’ll need a BSN or equivalent bachelor’s degree and an active RN license.

Step 2: Gain ICU Experience

Most CRNA programs require 1–3 years of full-time ICU experience. Competitive applicants often have experience in:

• Surgical ICU (SICU)
• Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU)
• Medical ICU (MICU)

Step 3: Apply to a Nurse Anesthesia Program

CRNA programs are now doctoral programs (DNP or DNAP) and typically last 3 years.

Admissions are highly competitive and consider:

• GPA (especially science GPA)
• ICU acuity and experience
• Certifications (CCRN strongly recommended)
• Shadowing experience
• Interview performance

Step 4: Graduate and Pass Boards

After completing your program, you’ll take the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a CRNA.

How Competitive Is CRNA School?

CRNA school is one of the most competitive nursing pathways.

Many applicants apply multiple cycles before acceptance. Strong candidates usually demonstrate:

• Academic excellence
• High-acuity ICU experience
• Leadership and professionalism
• Strong communication skills

The good news is that with the right strategy and preparation, acceptance is absolutely achievable.

Is CRNA School Hard?

Yes — CRNA school is academically intense and time-consuming.

Students often describe it as:

• Full-time school plus overtime
• Heavy on physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia principles
• Emotionally and mentally demanding

However, graduates consistently say the challenge is worth it for the career flexibility, compensation, and fulfillment that follow.

Is Becoming a CRNA Worth It?

For many nurses, the answer is yes, but it depends on your goals.

CRNA may be worth it if you want:

• High income potential
• Advanced clinical responsibility
• Autonomy in patient care
• A respected and in-demand role

It may not be the right fit if you prefer:

• Minimal academic stress
• Shorter educational pathways
• Lower responsibility or call requirements

Wise CRNA exists to help you make an informed decision — not just chase a salary.

Why Wise CRNA Exists

Wise CRNA was created to provide clear, honest, and practical guidance for:

• Nurses exploring the CRNA path
• Applicants preparing for CRNA school
• CRNAs navigating salary and career decisions

Through blogs, calculators, videos, and tools, our goal is to help you work smarter — not harder — on your CRNA journey.

What’s Next?

Future Wise CRNA content will cover:

• CRNA salary by state
• W-2 vs 1099 income comparisons
• CRNA school application strategies
• GPA and ICU optimization
• Interviews, contracts, and career growth

If you’re serious about becoming a CRNA — or maximizing your career as one — you’re in the right place.