The Cost of Being a CRNA: A State-by-State Breakdown
The role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) has long been considered an invaluable component of the healthcare system. With the increasing need for healthcare services around the world, international nurses can provide critical support to American hospitals, as well as increase the diversity, knowledge, and skills of healthcare teams. In order to recruit these talented individuals, it’s important to understand the factors that affect their decisions, including salaries, benefits, and cost of living.
A new report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that CRNA salaries vary significantly across the United States. The average annual salary for CRNAs is $181,040, but this figure can vary widely depending on the state. For example, in Montana, the average salary is $238,040, while in Tennessee it is $157,390. However, it’s important to note that these figures do not take into account the cost of living in each state.
To address this issue, the report also includes a detailed breakdown of CRNA salaries adjusted for cost of living. This provides a more accurate picture of the purchasing power of CRNA salaries in each state, and can help hospitals and recruiters make more informed decisions about recruitment and compensation strategies.
It’s also important to note that international nurses face unique challenges when it comes to cost of living. Many are coming from countries with significantly lower living expenses, and may struggle to adjust to the high cost of living in the United States. This can impact their ability to sustain themselves and their families, and can even lead to them leaving their positions prematurely.
Table below are the living expense-adjusted average salaries for CRNAs.
Note: Data was unavailable for seven states.
| State | CRNA hourly mean wage | Cost of living vs. US avg. | COL-adjusted CRNA wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $114.64 | -0.06 | $121.17 |
| Kentucky | $113.10 | -0.07 | $120.90 |
| West Virginia | $110.30 | -0.10 | $120.78 |
| Indiana | $105.78 | -0.09 | $115.72 |
| Nebraska | $108.46 | -0.06 | $115.29 |
| Wisconsin | $110.71 | -0.04 | $114.70 |
| New Mexico | $103.48 | -0.09 | $112.79 |
| Iowa | $101.45 | -0.10 | $111.70 |
| Missouri | $98.65 | -0.10 | $108.71 |
| Texas | $100.45 | -0.08 | $108.39 |
| North Carolina | $103.24 | -0.04 | $107.68 |
| Minnesota | $106.99 | 0.00 | $106.99 |
| South Dakota | $107.31 | 0.01 | $106.25 |
| Michigan | $96.00 | -0.09 | $104.35 |
| Wyoming | $98.69 | -0.06 | $104.32 |
| Ohio | $95.01 | -0.09 | $103.28 |
| Alabama | $91.92 | -0.12 | $103.04 |
| Georgia | $91.73 | -0.11 | $102.00 |
| Virginia | $103.62 | 0.02 | $101.79 |
| South Carolina | $94.15 | -0.06 | $100.18 |
| Montana | $97.81 | 0.01 | $97.13 |
| New Jersey | $111.84 | 0.15 | $97.08 |
| Washington | $107.03 | 0.12 | $95.91 |
| Pennsylvania | $97.89 | 0.03 | $95.50 |
| Connecticut | $115.66 | 0.22 | $95.12 |
| Mississippi | $88.65 | -0.07 | $94.59 |
| New Hampshire | $103.83 | 0.10 | $94.48 |
| Vermont | $109.96 | 0.17 | $93.98 |
| Tennessee | $83.74 | -0.11 | $92.95 |
| Kansas | $81.45 | -0.14 | $92.45 |
| Louisiana | $86.12 | -0.07 | $92.15 |
| Oklahoma | $80.99 | -0.12 | $90.79 |
| Maine | $103.33 | 0.15 | $89.85 |
| Delaware | $95.23 | 0.08 | $88.26 |
| Idaho | $87.07 | 0.02 | $85.28 |
| Colorado | $89.36 | 0.05 | $84.86 |
| Arizona | $86.41 | 0.03 | $83.73 |
| Florida | $83.84 | 0.00 | $83.59 |
| California | $118.52 | 0.42 | $83.46 |
| New York | $114.77 | 0.48 | $77.44 |
| Oregon | $99.00 | 0.30 | $76.10 |
| Massachusetts | $98.41 | 0.35 | $72.90 |
| Maryland | $87.84 | 0.24 | $70.84 |
By taking into account the cost of living in each state, hospitals and recruiters can create more competitive compensation packages that reflect the true value of CRNA services. Moreover, by offering comprehensive benefits, such as relocation assistance and educational opportunities, they can attract and retain top international nursing talent, and help bridge the gap in healthcare staffing.
At NurseContact, we understand the importance of recruiting and retaining skilled nursing professionals, We offer a digital marketplace that streamlines the hiring process for both US employers and international nurses. By leveraging our platform, healthcare providers can connect with qualified nursing candidates from around the world, and provide them with the support they need to succeed in their roles.