How Much Do Doctors of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Make?
Several factors can influence doctor of nurse anesthesia practice salaries, including experience, workplace, education level, and geographic location. Doctors of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAPs) earn more than other registered nurses (RNs), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This guide will walk any prospective doctor of nurse anesthesia practice through the details of pay across all variables and offer advice on maximizing earning potential in this field.
Just the Highlights: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries
Doctors of nurse anesthesia practice can earn the highest average annual salaries in these locations and roles:
Illinois
$281,240
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA
$294,180
Outpatient Care Centers
$263,960
How Much Do Doctors of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Make?
According to the BLS, doctors of nurse anesthesia make an average of $102.98 per hour in the U.S. This rate equals approximately $214,200 per year, which puts DNAP salaries well above average.
Compensation for doctors of nurse anesthesia practice depends on several variables, which will be detailed below.
Doctor of nurse anesthesia practice average annual salary
$214,200
Doctor of nurse anesthesia practice average hourly wage
$102.98
Many doctors of nurse anesthesia practice work long shifts, and during “normal working hours,” they earn their base salary. Any hours worked in the evening, night, or weekend come with an hourly pay increase. Hospitals may also offer extra shifts with bonuses attached.
According to the BLS, DNAPs can make an average of $139,980 in the lower salary range, while the higher-end averages are closer to $212,650.
Source: BLS
How Education Affects Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries
All doctors of nurse anesthesia practice must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years. Some nursing programs can be completed in as little as 12 months through an accelerated option, which requires previously earned prerequisites. With either education path, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before becoming RNs.
After obtaining an RN license and gaining experience as a nurse, hopeful doctors of nurse anesthesia practice can apply to a DNAP program. DNAPs must graduate with a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNP) degree before working in this field. Since only one education path exists for DNAPs, education variances don’t apply to their salary.
How Specialty Certification Affects Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries
Doctors of nurse anesthesia practice must earn specialty certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Any nursing certification proves expertise in that specialty and can lead to higher compensation.
Location and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries
As with most professional salaries, cost-of-living differences can make employment location a major factor in pay expectations.
Top-Paying Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries by State
In general, the coasts offer the highest pay for doctors of nurse anesthesia, while the Southeastern states offer the lowest.
| Washington, D.C. | $421,360 |
| New Jersey | $412,262 |
| New York | $407,014 |
| Wisconsin | $402,611 |
| Alaska | $400,656 |
| Vermont | $395,562 |
| North Dakota | $393,638 |
| Massachusetts | $392,116 |
| Oregon | $390,852 |
| Washington | $390,833 |
| Hawaii | $386,524 |
| Minnesota | $382,356 |
| Ohio | $373,558 |
| Colorado | $373,352 |
| Delaware | $372,351 |
| Nevada | $371,257 |
| South Dakota | $368,393 |
| Rhode Island | $364,333 |
| New Hampshire | $361,803 |
| Iowa | $361,263 |
| Maryland | $361,070 |
| New Mexico | $360,525 |
| Illinois | $360,507 |
| Connecticut | $358,207 |
| Wyoming | $357,603 |
| Tennessee | $356,671 |
| Indiana | $354,010 |
| Utah | $353,900 |
| Mississippi | $352,140 |
| Idaho | $350,042 |
| Virginia | $348,468 |
| California | $338,403 |
| Pennsylvania | $338,074 |
| Nebraska | $335,123 |
| Louisiana | $333,821 |
| Missouri | $331,621 |
| Kansas | $331,416 |
| Maine | $331,151 |
| South Carolina | $328,467 |
| Oklahoma | $324,540 |
| North Carolina | $321,688 |
| Texas | $320,634 |
| Arizona | $313,390 |
| Kentucky | $310,608 |
| Michigan | $309,244 |
| Montana | $308,669 |
| Arkansas | $307,634 |
| Alabama | $304,815 |
| West Virginia | $288,014 |
| Georgia | $283,962 |
| Florida | $251,309 |
Source: BLS
Top-Paying Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries by City
The cost of living differs by state and population density. More people populate cities than rural areas, and their cost of living and salaries are typically higher. For example, if DNAPs work for a large teaching hospital in a city of millions, they will probably earn more than those who work for a small same-day surgery clinic in a rural area.
| Metropolitan area | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $141.43 | $294,180 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | $137.94 | $286,920 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $136.80 | $284,550 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $132.80 | $276,230 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $130.59 | $271,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $129.86 | $270,110 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128.79 | $267,880 |
| New York-Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $126.30 | $262,710 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $122.88 | $255,590 |
Source: BLS
Workplace Type and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries
DNAP compensation can also vary based on the work environment. For many DNAPs, outpatient care centers and hospital positions pay the highest.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $126.90 | $263,960 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $110.65 | $230,150 |
| Offices of Physicians | $99.82 | $207,630 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $91.55 | $190,420 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $73.33 | $152,530 |
Source: BLS
How Fast Can a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice’s Salary Grow?
A doctor of nurse anesthesia practice’s salary can grow fast, depending on professional development. In certain workplaces, management offers incentives to get certifications, lead or take part in committees, and get on a management track.
Pay also rises with each year of experience. Most medical facilities offer new hires an hourly rate based on years of experience. So, even if a DNAP changes positions or facilities, their pay should remain the same if the facilities are comparable.
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Salaries FAQs
1. What role offers the highest pay for doctors of nurse anesthesia practice?
The highest-paid doctors of nurse anesthesia practice are those working in Outpatient Care Centers, who make an average of $263,960 a year, or $126.90 per hour.
2. What do doctors of nurse anesthesia practice make per hour?
Doctors of nurse anesthesia practice make an average of $102.98 an hour. This can increase or decrease based on experience, location, role, and education.
3. Which state and city pay doctors of nurse anesthesia practice the best?
According to the BLS, Illinois offers the highest pay for all RNs at $135.21 per hour, or $281,240 a year. San Diego-Carlsbad, CA, boasts the highest salaries at $141.43 per hour ($294,180 per year).
