Nurse Anesthetists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Nurse Anesthetists out-earn Registered Nurses by $139K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Nurse Anesthetists land at $236,590 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: nurse anesthetist programs typically require master's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Nurse Anesthetists is Alaska ($341,210); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Nurse Anesthetists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Nurse Anesthetists or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Anesthetists earn more nationally. The median is $236,590 for Nurse Anesthetists versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $139K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Nurse Anesthetists or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Anesthetists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.6% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Nurse Anesthetists or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Anesthetists typically requires master's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Nurse Anesthetists get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Nurse Anesthetists at $341,210/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Nurse Anesthetists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Nurse Anesthetists earn $341,210 vs. $109,480 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.