What Can a CRNA Do? Roles, Workplaces, and Salary Explained
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the most highly trained and autonomous advanced practice nurses in the healthcare system. Their responsibilities extend far beyond the operating room, and their impact is felt in nearly every medical specialty. If you’ve ever wondered what a CRNA can do, where they can work, and how much they earn, this post has the answers.
The demand for CRNAs continues to grow due to their critical role in surgery, pain management, and emergency care.
In this post, we’ll explore:
What CRNAs do
Where CRNAs can work
CRNA salary ranges in 2025
Whether you're a nurse looking to advance your career or just curious about this dynamic field, this guide covers everything you need to know about being a CRNA.
What Is a CRNA?
A CRNA is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who specializes in anesthesia care. They are trained to administer anesthesia, monitor patients during surgical and diagnostic procedures, and manage post-anesthesia recovery. CRNAs complete a graduate-level nurse anesthesia program (typically a Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP), pass a national certification exam, and maintain strict continuing education requirements.
What Does a CRNA Do?
CRNAs are capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including:
1. Administering Anesthesia
General anesthesia (e.g., for major surgeries)
Regional anesthesia (e.g., epidurals, spinal blocks)
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for procedures that require sedation but not full anesthesia
2. Preoperative Assessments
Evaluating patient health history
Identifying anesthesia risks
Developing individualized anesthesia plans
3. Intraoperative Monitoring
Managing vital signs
Adjusting anesthetic levels
Responding to emergencies during procedures
4. Post-Anesthesia Care
Overseeing recovery from anesthesia
Managing pain and nausea
Ensuring patient stability before discharge or transfer
5. Pain Management
CRNAs often work in chronic pain clinics, administering nerve blocks and other interventions
Some pursue additional certification in pain management
6. Emergency and Trauma Care
In rural or military settings, CRNAs may serve as the sole anesthesia provider
Skilled in rapid decision-making and crisis management
7. Teaching and Leadership
Teaching nurse anesthesia students
Leading hospital anesthesia departments
Conducting research in anesthesiology
Where Can a CRNA Work?
CRNAs have one of the broadest ranges of workplace settings among nursing specialties. Here are some common ones:
1. Hospitals
Operating rooms
Labor and delivery units
Emergency departments
Critical care and trauma centers
2. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
Outpatient procedures with faster turnover
Often more predictable hours compared to hospitals
3. Rural and Underserved Areas
Often serve as the sole anesthesia providers
Provide full-spectrum anesthesia and emergency care
4. Military and VA Hospitals
Serve active-duty service members and veterans
Often work in high-pressure or resource-limited environments
5. Office-Based Settings
Dental surgery, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, etc.
Increasing demand for anesthesia services outside the hospital setting
6. Pain Management Clinics
Work independently or with physicians to treat chronic pain
Use techniques like nerve blocks, spinal injections, and sedation
7. Academia and Research
Teach in nurse anesthesia programs
Participate in clinical research and policy development
How Much Do CRNAs Make?
CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in the United States. While salaries can vary based on location, experience, and setting, here are the average salary ranges:
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs): $160,000 – $180,000/year
Mid-Career (3-10 yrs): $180,000 – $210,000/year
Experienced (10+ yrs): $210,000 – $250,000+/year
Highest-paying states: California, Oregon, New York, Texas, and Alaska
Rural areas: Often offer higher salaries and sign-on bonuses due to provider shortages
Many CRNAs also receive additional compensation through:
On-call pay
Overtime or weekend shifts
Bonuses
Profit-sharing (especially in private practices)
Do CRNAs Have to Take Call?
Yes, CRNAs are often required to take call, depending on their work setting. Taking call means being available to provide anesthesia services during nights, weekends, holidays, or other off-hours in case of emergencies or unscheduled procedures.
When and Where CRNAs Take Call:
Hospitals: CRNAs commonly take call in hospitals, especially those with trauma centers or labor and delivery units.
Rural Facilities: In rural or critical access hospitals, CRNAs may be the only anesthesia provider on call.
Surgery Centers: Some outpatient centers may require limited call for emergency add-on cases.
24/7 Care Settings: Any facility that provides round-the-clock care may expect CRNAs to rotate call shifts.
What CRNA Call Can Include:
Emergency surgeries
Obstetric anesthesia (e.g., epidurals or C-sections at night)
ICU or trauma consults
Urgent procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia
While call duties can add to workload and affect work-life balance, they often come with additional pay, comp time, or differential bonuses, which can significantly boost overall compensation.
What Is a Locum CRNA?
A locum tenens CRNA is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who works temporary assignments instead of holding a permanent position at one facility. These CRNAs fill in for staff shortages, vacations, leaves of absence, or help during times of high patient volume.
Key Benefits of Working as a Locum CRNA:
Flexible scheduling – Choose when and where to work
Higher pay rates – Often earn more per hour than staff CRNAs
Travel opportunities – Work in different states or regions
Work-life balance – Take extended time off between assignments
Common Locum CRNA Workplaces:
Rural hospitals
Critical access hospitals
Surgery centers
VA and military facilities
High-demand metro areas
Locum work can be ideal for experienced CRNAs looking for more freedom, higher income, or a change of pace.
Final Thoughts
CRNAs are vital members of the healthcare team, providing safe, high-quality anesthesia and pain management services across the country. With diverse work environments and strong earning potential, it’s no surprise that the CRNA role continues to grow in demand.
Thinking about becoming a CRNA?
The interview and application process can be lengthy and stressful. We have other blog posts reviewing some tips on how to manage this or check out our