Nurse Anesthetists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Nurse Anesthetistss out-earn Registered Nursess by $139K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Nurse Anesthetistss land at $236,590 and Registered Nursess 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 Anesthetistss is Alaska ($341,210); for Registered Nursess 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 Anesthetistss or Registered Nursess?
Nurse Anesthetistss earn more nationally. The median is $236,590 for Nurse Anesthetistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $139K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Nurse Anesthetists or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Anesthetistss get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Nurse Anesthetistss 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 Anesthetistss earn $341,210 vs. $109,480 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.