The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse anesthetist jobs to grow 10% from 2025 to 2035, from 54,500 to 59,800. That is much faster than average, with about 2,400 openings expected each year.
Below we explain what is behind the numbers, how the supply of new CRNAs is changing, and where the work is.
The official projection
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 54,500 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 59,800 |
| Change | +5,300 jobs (10%) |
| Projected openings per year | About 2,400 |
| Median pay, May 2025 | $236,590 |
Openings include new jobs plus jobs left by CRNAs who retire or leave the field. That is why yearly openings are much higher than yearly job growth.
How CRNAs compare with related roles
| Occupation | Growth, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Nurse anesthetists | 10% |
| Nurse practitioners | 41% |
| Physician assistants | 21% |
| Anesthesiologists | 4% |
CRNA growth is far ahead of anesthesiologist growth. It is slower than NP and PA growth, which come from much larger primary care demand. See CRNA vs nurse practitioner and CRNA vs anesthesiologist.
A note on the numbers
BLS projections and BLS wage surveys use different counts. The May 2025 wage survey counted 51,840 employed nurse anesthetists. AANA says more than 67,000 CRNAs are in practice, and NBCRNA cites more than 63,000 certified CRNAs.
The gap exists because the wage survey counts employees only. Self-employed and many 1099 CRNAs are left out.
What drives demand
More people needing care
For nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners as a group, BLS points to rising demand for health care. It names an aging population and more chronic disease as major drivers. It also cites team-based care and states expanding APRN practice authority.
Growth outside the hospital
CRNAs work in many settings beyond hospital operating rooms. AANA lists surgery centers, dental, podiatry, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and pain clinics, among others.
BLS May 2025 data shows some of the highest average pay in those settings. Offices of dentists averaged $287,940 and outpatient care centers $276,480. See CRNA salary.
Rural hospitals
AANA says CRNAs make up more than 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties. It also says half of US rural hospitals use a CRNA-only model for obstetric care.
The opt-out trend
Medicare requires CRNA supervision by a physician unless a state's governor opts out. As of September 2026, 27 states plus DC and Guam have opted out.
The list keeps growing. Vermont and Ohio opted out in July 2026, and DC in September 2026. Opt-outs give facilities more staffing options, which may open more roles to CRNAs. See CRNA opt-out states.
The supply side: new graduates
The number of new CRNAs is also rising.
- First-time test takers. NBCRNA reported 3,294 first-time NCE takers in 2025, with a 90.5% pass rate.
- New programs. COA granted initial accreditation to several programs in 2025 and 2026. Many more are seeking accreditation for 2026 and 2027. See new CRNA programs.
- Closures. A few programs closed in 2026, including Lourdes and Allegheny. About 154 programs are active as of October 2026.
More graduates may ease hiring in some cities. Hiring conditions vary a lot by region.
What this means for you
If you are applying to school
Demand for CRNAs looks steady for the next decade. Admission is still competitive, with a median acceptance rate of 18% in Everything CRNA's School Finder data (October 2026). The same data shows a median of 100% of graduates employed within six months.
Use the CRNA schools I qualify for tool to find programs whose minimums you meet.
If you are a new graduate
You will likely have choices. Compare offers on total value: base pay, call, benefits, loan repayment and the non-compete. Read CRNA starting salary and CRNA contract negotiation.
If you are a practicing CRNA
Your options include rural work, locum CRNA assignments, 1099 contracting and starting a CRNA group. Browse the best CRNA jobs to see what employers are offering now.
FAQ
Is CRNA a good career for the future?
BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than average. Demand comes from an aging population, outpatient growth and rural needs.
Will there be too many CRNAs?
BLS projections do not estimate surpluses or shortages. Conditions vary by region, so look at local job postings and talk to CRNAs where you want to work.
Where are CRNAs most needed?
Rural areas depend heavily on CRNAs. AANA says CRNAs make up more than 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physician assistants
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and surgeons
- O*NET OnLine: Nurse anesthetists, national employment trends (BLS 2025-2035 projections)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- AANA: CRNA fact sheet
- AANA: Fact sheet concerning state opt-outs (September 2026)
- NBCRNA: Annual NCE and SEE report, 2025
- COA: List of accredited educational programs (July 8, 2026)
- Everything CRNA School Finder data (October 2026): CRNA school finder