Nurse Anaesthetist Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Nurse anaesthetists, sometimes called Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs), are trained to administer anesthesia used for pain management and work with a range of medical professionals, including surgeons and anaesthesiologists.  They may also work in various medical settings, such as private and public hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centres, maternity centres, and dental clinics. 

Explore this role in more detail to understand the required qualifications and to determine if it’s a suitable position for you. 

What does a nurse anaesthetist do?

A nurse anaesthetist administers anaesthesia, which prevents or manages pain before, during, or after a medical procedure, operation, or childbirth. Nurse anaesthetists also monitor patients' vital signs while under anaesthesia and after. They may also administer anaesthesia to manage and relieve chronic pain as part of a pain management plan. These advanced practice nurses also perform these tasks:

• Meet with a patient before their procedure to review all medical history, complete a physical assessment, and notify the patient of all risks associated with anaesthesia.

• Monitor a patient’s vitals both during and after a procedure or surgery. 

• Stay with a patient after a procedure to assist in recovery and monitor vitals and comfort level. 

• Determine the dosage, method, and type of medication needed based on individual patients and length and type of procedure.

• Develop pain management strategies and plans.

Sometimes, a nurse anaesthetist's duties vary slightly depending on where they work. It’s also important to note that a nurse anaesthetist is not an anaesthesiologist. While they perform similar duties, an anaesthesiologist is a doctor with a medical school background. 

How much do nurse anaesthetists earn?

A nurse anaesthetist working in India can expect to earn an average base pay of ₹7,50,000 per year, according to Payscale as of December 2024 [1]. Because this specialised role requires advanced skills and training, CRNAs often make more than other registered nurses. 

Several factors can impact a CRNA's salary. These can include the type of hospital where you work or the geographic location. Even working odd hours or night shifts could garner higher pay. Speaking and understanding multiple languages may help you earn a higher salary. 

How do I qualify to become a nurse anaesthetist?

Education and training standards for all types of nurses may vary throughout India. Typically, to become a nurse anaesthetist or any kind of advanced clinical nurse, you'll need, at minimum, a BSc in nursing and some additional experience or additional training.  

Always check with your potential employer and your local hospitals to determine the requirements for a nurse anaesthetist in the area where you want to work. 

Earning a BSc in nursing 

Earning a BSc in nursing can help you become a nurse anaesthetist and set up a strong foundation for a nursing career in numerous roles and specialities. Check each university's requirements for undergraduate nursing programmes, as they vary amongst different learning institutions. Still, some of the requirements you may find include: 

• Being at least 17 years of age by 31 December of the year you join the programme  

• Completing 10+2 with 45 percent marks in physics, chemistry, biology, and English  

• Passing any entrance examinations required by the individual institution 

• Proving your medical fitness   

Additional training and education 

Once you've earned your BSc in nursing, your next path may vary depending on your employer or desired career path.  

Some hospitals may offer a Certified Nurse Anaesthetist Course. These programmes may educate you on administering anaesthetic agents, postoperative management, and using essential techniques and equipment. They may also include internships. 

Another potential option is to earn a master’s of science degree (MSc) in nursing. A school may offer advanced nursing practices as part of the curriculum, and such degrees prepare nurses for super-specialty areas of practice.  

Salary levels

Your location, employer, and designation may impact your salary level as a nurse anaesthetist. Other factors include years of experience and any specialisations you may hold. 

Location and salary

Where you live will likely impact your earning potential as a nurse anaesthetist. You'll typically earn more working in cities and metropolitan areas than you would in rural regions. Certain cities and states may also pay more than others. For example, here’s how the average base salaries in three Indian cities compare to the national average, according to Payscale [1]:

•  Mumbai, Maharashtra: 33 percent higher

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu: 250 percent higher

• Bangalore, Karnataka: 32 percent lower

Organisation and salary

The type of medical facility you work in can also affect how much you earn. Private hospitals typically pay more than public ones. Specialty hospitals, such as those focusing on cardiology or oncology, may also offer higher salaries. 

Designations and salary

• Your specific designation as a nurse anaesthetist can also impact your salary. A head nurse anaesthetist may make more than a senior nurse anaesthetist, while a senior nurse anaesthetist may make more than a staff nurse anaesthetist.

Prepare for your nurse anaesthetist career

As a nurse anaesthetist, you may work across numerous medical facilities and with various medical professionals to help ensure patients receive the proper care before, during, and after anaesthesia. When you’re ready to plan out your next steps to becoming a nurse anaesthetist, consider enrolling in a course like Introductory Human Physiology or Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us, both offered on Coursera which offer the chance to build fundamental knowledge and skills.