There is no reliable public figure for the average new grad CRNA salary, because the BLS does not report pay by years of experience. The best public guide is the BLS range for all nurse anesthetists. In May 2025, the middle half earned $206,730 to $294,350, and the median was $236,590.
Where a first offer lands in that range depends on location, setting, call and how you are paid. This page explains how to read the numbers and how to compare offers.
The BLS pay range for nurse anesthetists
These figures cover all employed nurse anesthetists in May 2025, at every experience level.
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $155,250 |
| 25th | $206,730 |
| 50th (median) | $236,590 |
| 75th | $294,350 |
| 90th | $339,500 |
The mean was $248,320 a year, or $119.38 an hour. For pay by location, see CRNA salary by state and CRNA salary by city.
How to use these numbers as a new grad
BLS does not split pay by experience, so no percentile is "the" new grad figure. Use the range to sanity-check offers instead:
- If an offer sits near the 10th percentile for your area, ask why. It may come with lighter call, strong benefits or a training role.
- If an offer sits well above the median, look for the catch: heavy call, a rural location, a long commitment or a non-compete.
- Compare offers within the same city or region. Pay varies a lot between states.
BLS counts employees only. Self-employed CRNAs and many 1099 contractors are not in these numbers.
What else is in a first offer
Base salary is only part of the package. Ask about each of these in writing.
Sign-on bonus
Many employers offer a sign-on bonus to new graduates. Read the repayment clause. Most bonuses must be paid back, fully or in part, if you leave before a set date.
Student loan repayment
Some employers help pay down student loans, often spread over several years of service. Ask whether payments are taxed as income and what happens if you leave early.
Residency stipend or early commitment
Some employers pay a stipend during your final year of school in exchange for a work commitment. Check the length of the commitment and the penalty for breaking it.
Call and overtime
Ask how much call you will take, whether it is in-house or from home, and how extra hours are paid. Call pay can change your real income a great deal.
Benefits
Retirement match, health insurance, paid time off, CME money and malpractice cover all have real value. Ask whether malpractice is occurrence or claims-made, and who pays for tail coverage if you leave.
W-2 or 1099 as a new grad
Most new graduates start as W-2 employees. You get benefits, an employer that handles taxes and malpractice, and support while you build confidence.
1099 contract work can pay a higher hourly rate, but you cover your own taxes, benefits, retirement and often malpractice. Some contract roles also want experienced CRNAs. Read our 1099 CRNA guide before choosing that route.
How to negotiate your first offer
You have more room than you might think. Here is a simple approach:
- Gather data. Use the BLS range for your state or metro area, and talk to recent graduates and local CRNAs.
- Compare total value. Put base pay, call pay, bonus, loan help, retirement match and time off side by side.
- Ask for specific changes. A higher base, a larger bonus, less call or a shorter commitment are all fair requests.
- Read the contract. Look at the non-compete, notice period, termination terms and bonus repayment.
- Get help if needed. AANA lists contract review and negotiation resources for members. A health care employment lawyer can also review your contract.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Where to find first jobs
Your clinical sites are a good place to start, since they already know your work. You can also browse the best CRNA jobs on Everything CRNA and AANA's MOTION career platform.
FAQ
What is the average starting salary for a CRNA?
No official source publishes one. Use the BLS range for nurse anesthetists in your state and compare offers in the same area.
Do new grad CRNAs get sign-on bonuses?
Many do, but terms vary. Always check how much you must repay if you leave early.
Is it better to take a 1099 job right out of school?
Most new graduates choose W-2 work for the support and benefits. Contract work can suit you later, once you have experience.