The demand for anesthesia services continues to rise, providing anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) with numerous prospects in desirable locations, whether pursuing locum tenens, moonlighting, or permanent positions. Compensation varies based on several factors, including location, demand, experience, and specialty.
States with higher living costs or greater demand for healthcare services, such as New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, generally offer higher salaries. States allowing independent CRNA practice and regions with well-funded healthcare facilities or high employer competition also pay more.
In contrast, states with lower living costs may offer salaries up to $100,000 less than those in high-cost areas but provide competitive compensation packages, including benefits, bonuses, and other incentives to attract and retain skilled clinicians.
Tenure also plays a crucial role in determining a clinician’s salary. CRNAs with advanced certifications, like critical dare registered nurses, or those in leadership roles, such as head nurse anesthetists, can see salary increases of 10 to 15%, potentially boosting their earnings by $20,000 to $30,000 annually.
We reviewed the latest salary data to help clinicians make well-informed career choices and identify compensation trends, key factors influencing earnings, and regional pay disparities.Â
We’ll examine full-time anesthesiologist and CRNA salaries, but if you’re interested in earning even more, read our locum tenens career tips below.
Anesthesiologists Compensation Trends
Medscape’s 2024 compensation report reveals that anesthesiologist earnings surged between 2013 and 2023, with salaries increasing by 33%. This has largely been driven by an aging population requiring more surgical procedures, including joint replacements, cardiovascular operations, and cancer treatments.
Advancements in medical technology, including minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgeries, and enhanced imaging, have made surgeries safer and more effective, reducing complications and recovery times. As such, the increased safety and efficiency have led to a rise in elective procedures, boosting the demand for skilled anesthesiologists.
Anesthesiologists in leadership positions, such as department heads, directors of anesthesia services, or chief anesthesiologists, often see substantial salary increases above the average, adding $20,000 to $50,000 or more to their annual compensation.Â
Further, those with specialized training or certifications typically see higher compensation. For instance, pediatric anesthesiologists earn more due to the specialized skills required for treating children, with salaries potentially exceeding $350,000 annually.Â
Today, the nationwide average annual salary for anesthesiologists is $393,000. In top-paying regions like Northern California, wages can exceed $500,000 for specialties such as pediatric anesthesiology, pain management, cardiac anesthesiology, and critical care.
This upward salary trend is set to keep climbing, driven by the growing demand and the vital role anesthesiologists play in advancing medical care.
Let’s explore states with the greatest earning potential for anesthesiologists.Â
Highest Paying Regions for Anesthesiologists
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $418,014 | $34,834 | $8,038 | $200.97 |
| Wyoming | $414,979 | $34,581 | $7,980 | $199.51 |
| Wisconsin | $409,510 | $34,125 | $7,875 | $196.88 |
| Washington | $408,484 | $34,040 | $7,855 | $196.39 |
| Massachusetts | $406,656 | $33,888 | $7,820 | $195.51 |
| Indiana | $406,032 | $33,836 | $7,808 | $195.21 |
| Alaska | $406,012 | $33,834 | $7,807 | $195.20 |
| Oregon | $403,099 | $33,591 | $7,751 | $193.80 |
| North Dakota | $402,268 | $33,522 | $7,735 | $193.40 |
| Arizona | $397,636 | $33,136 | $7,646 | $191.17 |
| Hawaii | $394,407 | $32,867 | $7,584 | $189.62 |
| New Mexico | $393,687 | $32,807 | $7,570 | $189.27 |
| Montana | $391,645 | $32,637 | $7,531 | $188.29 |
| Minnesota | $390,402 | $32,533 | $7,507 | $187.69 |
| Colorado | $388,032 | $32,336 | $7,462 | $186.55 |
| New York | $387,449 | $32,287 | $7,450 | $186.27 |
| Alabama | $386,752 | $32,229 | $7,437 | $185.94 |
| Nevada | $383,896 | $31,991 | $7,382 | $184.57 |
| Ohio | $380,976 | $31,748 | $7,326 | $183.16 |
| South Dakota | $380,186 | $31,682 | $7,311 | $182.78 |
Want to know how much you can earn as a locum tenens anesthesiologist?
Read our Full-Time Locum Tenens Salary Guide.
Now, let’s take a closer look at compensation trends for CRNAs.
CRNA Compensation Trends
CRNA pay has also trended upward, with a notable increase of 8.3% at the median from $198,000 to $215,000 between 2017 and 2022​. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average nurse anesthetist’s salary is $214,200, with a range that depends on experience, geographical location, and practice settings​.
CRNA salaries vary significantly by state and region, often reflecting the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. For example, CRNAs in California can earn up to $251,000 annually, whereas those in states like Florida earn around $177,000​​.
Experience and specialization can make a big difference in CRNA salaries. Entry-level CRNAs typically earn around $150,000 annually. However, those with extensive experience or specialized skills can see their earnings soar to over $250,000. Specializing in high-demand areas like pain management or pediatric anesthesia can further boost your earning potential.
CRNAs working in outpatient care centers tend to earn higher salaries, with an average of $246,980, compared to those in physician offices or general medical and surgical hospitals​.
How much can you earn as a locum tenens CRNA?
Find out in our Full-Time Locum Tenens Salary Guide.
Let’s explore states with the greatest earning potential for CRNAs.
Highest Paying Regions for CRNAs
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $287,792 | $23,982 | $5,534 | $138.36 |
| Wisconsin | $281,056 | $23,421 | $5,404 | $135.12 |
| Alaska | $274,100 | $22,841 | $5,271 | $131.78 |
| Massachusetts | $273,729 | $22,810 | $5,264 | $131.60 |
| Oregon | $272,846 | $22,737 | $5,247 | $131.18 |
| Washington | $272,833 | $22,736 | $5,246 | $131.17 |
| North Dakota | $272,105 | $22,675 | $5,232 | $130.82 |
| New Mexico | $270,272 | $22,522 | $5,197 | $129.94 |
| Minnesota | $266,916 | $22,243 | $5,133 | $128.33 |
| Hawaii | $266,694 | $22,224 | $5,128 | $128.22 |
| Ohio | $260,773 | $21,731 | $5,014 | $125.37 |
| Colorado | $260,630 | $21,719 | $5,012 | $125.30 |
| Nevada | $259,168 | $21,597 | $4,984 | $124.60 |
| New York | $257,603 | $21,466 | $4,953 | $123.85 |
| South Dakota | $257,168 | $21,430 | $4,945 | $123.64 |
| Rhode Island | $252,721 | $21,060 | $4,860 | $121.50 |
| Iowa | $252,191 | $21,015 | $4,849 | $121.25 |
| Vermont | $251,022 | $20,918 | $4,827 | $120.68 |
| Connecticut | $250,058 | $20,838 | $4,808 | $120.22 |
| Tennessee | $248,985 | $20,748 | $4,788 | $119.70 |
Career Advice for Anesthesiologists & CRNAs
The 2024 compensation trends reveal a significant rise in anesthesiologists’ average annual salaries. CRNAs are also enjoying higher earnings as hospitals increasingly recognize their crucial role, particularly in underserved areas where recruiting full-time clinicians can be challenging. Let’s dive into some expert career tips for CRNAs and anesthesiologists considering the exciting path of locum tenens.
- Diversify your skill set:Â Gain experience in various specialties, as versatility can make you more attractive to potential employers and increase your earning potential.
- Stay current with certifications:Â Maintain and pursue additional certifications to enhance your qualifications. Certifications like critical care registered nurse (CCRN) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) can boost your credibility and salary.
- Be open to traveling:Â Flexibility can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Consider assignments in underserved or high-demand areas offering premium pay rates.
- Build a strong network:Â Connect with other locum tenens professionals, attend industry conferences, and join relevant professional organizations. Networking can lead to valuable job leads and insights into lucrative opportunities.
- Optimize your schedule:Â Balance high-paying assignments with time off to avoid burnout. Use your flexibility to create a schedule that maximizes earnings while allowing for personal time.
- Leverage technology:Â Use online platforms and job boards dedicated to locum tenens positions to find the best opportunities and streamline the application process.
- Request constructive feedback:Â After each assignment, ask for feedback from employers to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Continuous professional development can make you more competitive in the job market.
- Manage your finances wisely:Â As a locum tenens professional, you may have variable income. Plan your finances carefully, save for taxes, and consider working with a financial advisor to manage your earnings effectively.
Is Locum Tenens Right For You?
Switching to locum tenens can offer greater earning potential, flexibility, and opportunities to broaden your professional horizons. Follow these tips to successfully navigate the transition and maximize the benefits of a locum tenens career.Â
OnCall Solutions supports anesthesiologists and CRNAs in navigating these employment trends to achieve their career goals and maximize earning potential. Our team offers personalized advice and access to a wide range of anesthesiologist and CRNA opportunities, including locum tenens, moonlighting, and permanent roles.
Whether you are looking to enhance your career, explore new job opportunities, or increase your earning potential, we are here to help.
Sources: Locumstory, AMN, LT, Nurse.org, Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter.
