Welcome! If you’re curious about how much Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Texas earn, this guide offers clarity. Nurse anesthetists play a critical role in healthcare—administering anesthesia, monitoring patients’ vital signs, and ensuring safety during surgical procedures. In Texas, these healthcare professionals are not only in demand but also well-compensated. However, salaries vary significantly depending on location, years of experience, type of employer, and other factors such as certifications or specialized skillsets. This article explores the top 20 nurse anesthetist salaries across Texas locations, offering a vivid picture of where CRNAs can find the most rewarding compensation packages. Expect detailed profiles of each location—covering base pay, bonuses, cost-of-living adjustments, and typical benefits. Whether you’re weighing job offers, considering relocation, or simply researching compensation trends, this overview will serve as a valuable resource.
Top 20 Nurse Anesthetist Salaries in Texas
Below are the top 20 nurse anesthetist salary figures in Texas, listed in descending order. Each entry includes estimated total compensation, key highlights, and context to help you understand how these figures stack up.
1. Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $245,000 – $275,000
- Snapshot: One of the largest metro regions in Texas with many high-volume surgical centers, specialty hospitals, and teaching institutions. Competitive job market and higher pay.
- Highlights:
- Peak earnings for CRNAs often tied to hospital-based anesthesia services and high case volumes.
- Private surgical centers and outpatient facilities tend to offer lucrative per-case bonuses.
- Why Top-Ranked: Extremely busy hospitals and a robust healthcare ecosystem drive high salaries and frequent overtime.
2. Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Area
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $240,000 – $270,000
- Snapshot: Home to renowned medical centers and research institutions, including world-class hospitals attracting high-paying anesthesia opportunities.
- Highlights:
- Prestigious academic centers often feature additional incentives for board-certified CRNAs.
- Strong presence of cancer and cardiovascular specialty units increases demand for skilled anesthesia providers.
- Competitive Edge: Top-tier healthcare employers and complex surgical caseloads elevate pay packages.
3. Austin–Round Rock
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $230,000 – $260,000
- Snapshot: Rapidly growing metro area with expanding healthcare infrastructure and outpatient facilities.
- Highlights:
- Growing outpatient surgery centers provide attractive pay and flexible scheduling.
- Emerging academic and research-affiliated hospitals are increasingly offering premium compensation.
- Notable Factors: High-quality-of-life combined with lucrative job offers draws experienced CRNAs.
4. San Antonio
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $225,000 – $255,000
- Snapshot: A major metropolitan hub with diverse healthcare needs and frequent elective surgery demand.
- Highlights:
- Regional medical centers typically offer sign-on bonuses and retention incentives.
- Military-affiliated hospitals occasionally provide unique supplemental pay for CRNAs.
- Strengths: Balanced cost of living plus solid compensation make San Antonio a strong choice.
5. El Paso
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $220,000 – $250,000
- Snapshot: Border region with a mix of public and private facilities, some offering differential pay for bilingual or Spanish-speaking practitioners.
- Highlights:
- Anesthesia units in surgical centers often underwrite competitive travel stipends or bonus packages.
- Lower overall cost of living amplifies real earnings potential.
- Why Ranked: Despite being smaller than major metros, El Paso offers very attractive compensation relative to local living expenses.
6. Corpus Christi
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $215,000 – $245,000
- Snapshot: Coastal city with regional hospitals and a steady surgical schedule, including trauma and general surgery.
- Highlights:
- Smaller provider networks sometimes include generous overtime pay to meet service demands.
- Coastal fringe may include occasional hazard or incentive pay.
- Pros: Strong compensation for a smaller market area.
7. Lubbock
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $210,000 – $240,000
- Snapshot: University-affiliated and private hospitals anchor this West Texas city’s healthcare market.
- Highlights:
- Academic hospitals may offer portfolio bonuses for teaching or clinical trial participation.
- Fringe rural incentives may be added into compensation models.
- Considerations: Strategic early-career training gigs here can be financially rewarding.
8. Amarillo
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $205,000 – $235,000
- Snapshot: Major medical center in the Texas Panhandle draws regional CRNAs with solid compensation.
- Highlights:
- Some systems pay enhanced rates for overnight or weekend coverage.
- Stability in caseload enhances consistency in earnings.
- Why It Stands Out: Superior compensation for a semi-rural location with less competition.
9. Midland–Odessa
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $200,000 – $230,000
- Snapshot: Oil-and-gas industry presence leads to unique elective surgery cycles and occasional locum demand.
- Highlights:
- Private surgical suites elevated by industry ties often provide highly competitive contract rates.
- Locum or travel CRNAs may see particularly high daily rates.
- Edge Factor: Specialized caseloads and sector-based demand drive pay higher than typical for region.
10. McAllen–Edinburg–Mission
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $195,000 – $225,000
- Snapshot: South Texas valley region serving a dense population with both public and private hospital systems.
- Highlights:
- Bilingual CRNAs may be offered bonus differentials.
- Regular surgical demand plus occasional elective influxes support steady incomes.
- Strengths: High demand paired with notable earning potential relative to cost of living.
11. Waco
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $190,000 – $220,000
- Snapshot: Midway between Austin and Dallas, Waco hosts growing healthcare networks and surgical volume.
- Highlights:
- Community hospital systems often include retention and productivity bonuses.
- Less competition for CRNAs compared to larger cities may result in better pay per case.
- Why It Counts: Attractive compensation for a smaller yet growing market.
12. Tyler
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $185,000 – $215,000
- Snapshot: East Texas hub with regional hospitals, a medical school campus, and moderate anesthesia demand.
- Highlights:
- Academic-affiliated centers may offer stipends or educational support.
- Local demand remains consistent across general and elective surgeries.
- Appeal: Solid compensation and educational resources in a mid-size setting.
13. College Station–Bryan
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $180,000 – $210,000
- Snapshot: Home to a large university health system, this area benefits from teaching and specialty surgery services.
- Highlights:
- CRNAs in teaching hospitals may earn teaching stipends or case-based bonuses.
- Emerging outpatient centers add flexibility in scheduling.
- Value Point: Great blend of academic environment and competitive pay.
14. Beaumont–Port Arthur
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $175,000 – $205,000
- Snapshot: Southeast Texas metro on the Gulf Coast with a stable mix of general and elective surgical activity.
- Highlights:
- Regional hospitals may offer hazard pay during extreme weather or natural events.
- Rates are often higher for call responsibilities.
- Why It’s Strong: Coastal setting with moderate but dependable compensation.
15. Killeen–Temple
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $170,000 – $200,000
- Snapshot: Military base nearby and regional hospitals support diversified anesthesia needs.
- Highlights:
- Military or VA hospital interfaces may include unique bonus structures.
- Local civilian hospitals often supplement pay with retention incentives.
- Unique Factor: Combined civilian and military-adjacent environment creates nuanced pay frameworks.
16. Laredo
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $165,000 – $195,000
- Snapshot: Border city with a mix of public health systems and community-based surgical services.
- Highlights:
- Spanish-speaking ability sometimes earns extra compensation.
- Small community hospitals may offer service bonuses for flexibility.
- Reality Check: Modest pay in absolute terms, but decent earnings versus local cost of living.
17. San Angelo
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000
- Snapshot: West-central Texas city with community hospitals and occasional surgical travel needs.
- Highlights:
- Rural supplement packages often included in base pay.
- Regular call or weekend pay may boost annual totals.
- Pros: Extensive earning potential in quiet, lower competition setting.
18. Odessa (see Midland–Odessa above for context)
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000
- Snapshot: Often paired with Midland; shared provider networks and similar pay scales.
- Highlights:
- Travel or locum CRNAs may achieve earnings at upper range during elective spikes.
- Note: Odessa shares compensation characteristics with Midland; figures above reflect aggregate scenarios.
19. Victoria
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $155,000 – $185,000
- Snapshot: Smaller coastal city with community hospitals, elective surgical activity, and limited competition.
- Highlights:
- Occasional weekend premium pay available.
- Smaller-scale operations may include productivity or retention incentives.
- Why It Appears: Low competition and steady demand for competent anesthesia providers.
20. Brownsville–Harlingen
- Estimated Total Annual Compensation: $150,000 – $180,000
- Snapshot: Deep South Texas region with multiple community hospitals serving a dense population.
- Highlights:
- Bilingual CRNAs may enjoy differential pay.
- Community systems may include flexible scheduling bonus features.
- Ending Note: Competitive in regional context; earnings moderate but augmented by incentives and lower cost of living.
Understanding Nurse Anesthetist Salary Trends in Texas
Nurse anesthetists in Texas enjoy some of the highest earning potential among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). However, salary ranges differ due to several factors:
- Location: Metropolitan areas like Dallas, Houston, and Austin offer higher pay due to increased demand and cost of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level CRNAs generally earn less, but professionals with 5–10 years of experience often secure premium salaries.
- Employer Type: Salaries differ based on whether you work for a teaching hospital, private surgical center, outpatient facility, or government agency.
- Specialization: CRNAs handling complex cases in cardiac, neurological, or pediatric anesthesia typically receive higher compensation.
- Call Pay & Overtime: Many hospitals offer on-call stipends and overtime bonuses, significantly boosting total earnings.
Average CRNA Salaries by Experience in Texas
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $150,000 – $170,000 | $12,500 – $14,100 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | $180,000 – $210,000 | $15,000 – $17,500 |
| Experienced (6–10 years) | $220,000 – $250,000 | $18,300 – $20,800 |
| Senior (10+ years) | $260,000 – $300,000+ | $21,600 – $25,000+ |
Key Takeaway: Experience significantly impacts CRNA earning potential, with seasoned professionals often commanding nearly double the salary of new graduates.
Highest-Paying Employers for CRNAs in Texas
Beyond location, the type of employer greatly influences salary packages:
- Large Academic Medical Centers
- Examples: Texas Medical Center in Houston, UT Southwestern in Dallas
- Offer competitive salaries plus educational incentives and research stipends.
- Private Surgical Centers
- Outpatient-focused facilities often provide higher per-case compensation and bonuses.
- Trauma & Specialty Hospitals
- High-acuity care environments increase demand for advanced anesthesia skills, leading to elevated pay.
- Locum Tenens & Contract Positions
- Temporary contracts may offer daily rates between $1,000 – $1,500, ideal for maximizing earnings.
Additional Compensation Benefits for CRNAs
In addition to base salaries, Texas employers typically offer generous benefits:
- Sign-On Bonuses: Frequently range between $10,000 – $30,000.
- Retention Incentives: Paid annually for continued service in high-demand facilities.
- Relocation Packages: Especially common in rural and underserved regions.
- Tuition Reimbursement: For CRNAs seeking continuing education or certifications.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Including medical, dental, vision, and malpractice coverage.
- Retirement Contributions: 401(k) matching programs up to 6% are common.
These benefits significantly enhance overall compensation, making Texas one of the most lucrative states for nurse anesthetists.
Salary Comparison: Texas vs. National Average
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Difference from National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $200,000 – $245,000 | +12% higher |
| U.S. Average | $180,000 – $220,000 | — |
Texas consistently offers salaries above the national median, thanks to a combination of high demand, a strong healthcare infrastructure, and statewide population growth.
Cost of Living vs. Salary in Texas
While salaries are impressive, considering the cost of living is crucial:
- Dallas & Austin: Higher living costs, but equally high salaries balance expenses.
- San Antonio & Houston: Moderate living costs with strong compensation rates.
- Smaller Cities (e.g., Lubbock, Tyler, Waco): Lower living expenses allow CRNAs to stretch their income further.
Insight: Even in cities with slightly lower salaries, lower housing costs and overall affordability mean CRNAs often retain a greater percentage of their income.
Job Outlook for Nurse Anesthetists in Texas
Texas’ healthcare industry is booming, leading to robust job prospects for CRNAs:
- Projected Job Growth (2024–2034): 15%, significantly faster than the national average.
- Demand Drivers:
- Increasing surgical volume
- Aging population
- Shortage of anesthesiologists in rural areas
- Expansion of outpatient surgical centers
For CRNAs, Texas remains one of the most promising job markets in the country.
Best Cities for Career Advancement
If you’re prioritizing career growth alongside salary, these Texas cities stand out:
- Dallas & Houston: Diverse caseloads and access to advanced clinical training.
- Austin: Growing tech-driven healthcare sector with expanding research opportunities.
- San Antonio: Strong military-affiliated hospitals create unique learning environments.
- Lubbock: Academic hubs offering teaching and research pathways for professional development.
Key Takeaways
- Texas ranks among the top-paying states for nurse anesthetists.
- Dallas, Houston, and Austin consistently lead in compensation opportunities.
- Benefits like sign-on bonuses, retention incentives, and tuition reimbursement add significant value.
- Rural and underserved areas often pay more to attract skilled CRNAs.
- Strong job growth forecasts make Texas a secure and lucrative market for nurse anesthetists.