Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery, dental procedures, or other medical interventions. They monitor vital signs throughout procedures and manage patient recovery from anesthesia. They work in operating rooms, surgical centers, dental offices, and hospitals, often collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nurse anesthetists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing patients for anesthesia by reviewing medical histories and explaining procedures, administering anesthetics through various routes, and continuously monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during surgery. Nurse anesthetists adjust medication dosages in response to patient needs, manage airways, and oversee the recovery phase as patients wake from anesthesia. Documentation and communication with the surgical team occur throughout each case.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're drawn to understanding how medical systems work and diagnosing patient problems—traits common among investigative people. You probably also value direct patient care and collaboration with colleagues, reflecting social interests. Success requires strong attention to detail, quick decision-making under pressure, and the ability to work independently.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Advanced Practice Nurse, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) · Veterans Health Administration · Salt Lake City, Utah · $183034–$265343
- Certified Nurse Anesthetist-Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/EDRP Approved · Veterans Health Administration · Dallas, Texas · $209405–$292300
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - CRNA · Veterans Health Administration · Madison, Wisconsin · $207274–$292300
- Advanced Practice Nurse - Certified Nurse Anesthetist · Veterans Health Administration · Washington, District of Columbia · $180195–$261224
- Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) · Veterans Health Administration · Hampton, Virginia · $192201–$278623
- Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Gordon, Georgia · $161666–$210170
- Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Anesthetist) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California · $219605–$253100
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist-Intermittent · Veterans Health Administration · San Francisco, California · $194127–$281415
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $289,820 | $341,210 | $366,160 | 90 |
| New York | $279,930 | $321,030 | $325,210 | 2,450 |
| Massachusetts | $253,120 | $295,550 | $356,000 | 500 |
| California | $277,920 | $292,410 | $315,990 | 2,230 |
| New Jersey | $238,580 | $291,350 | $311,830 | — |
| Illinois | $209,370 | $286,830 | $315,650 | 1,140 |
| Vermont | $268,320 | $283,060 | $310,100 | 40 |
| West Virginia | $231,830 | $278,530 | $290,670 | 740 |
| Montana | $240,020 | $277,380 | $312,900 | — |
| New Hampshire | $259,420 | $275,980 | $309,200 | 490 |
| Washington | $228,330 | $274,390 | $302,000 | 760 |
| Wisconsin | $245,730 | $273,170 | $288,540 | 990 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) — National Board on Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerentology) (ACNPC-AG) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialist; Wellness through Acute Care (Adult-Gerontology) (ACCNS-AG) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) (CHN) — Board of Nephrology Examiners Technology Nursing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nurse anesthetists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1151.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.