Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nursing profession. In fact, CRNAs are among the top 10% of earners in the U.S., with a median annual salary of $165,120.1

But where you work as a CRNA can have a big impact on your earnings potential. Here’s a look at the five metropolitan areas with the highest average salaries for CRNAs, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2

San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division

Average annual salary: $208,980

$208,980 Number of CRNAs: 750

If you want to maximize your earnings as a CRNA, the San Francisco area is a good place to start your search. CRNAs in this metropolitan division earn an average salary of $208,980 per year, making it the highest-paying area for this occupation in the country.

To put that figure into perspective, the average salary for all occupations in the San Francisco area is $85,840.3 That means CRNAs in this area earn more than 2.4 times the average salary of other workers.

The high salaries in the San Francisco area are likely due, in part, to the region’s high cost of living. The area’s housing costs are especially steep, with a median home value of $1,183,400.4

If you’re looking for a lower cost of living, you may want to consider other areas on this list. However, if you’re willing to pay a premium to live and work in one of the most vibrant and desirable areas in the country, the San Francisco area may be worth your consideration.

Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Division

Average annual salary: $196,470

$196,470 Number of CRNAs: 910

The Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley metropolitan division is the second highest-paying area for CRNAs in the country. CRNAs in this area earn an average salary of $196,470 per year, which is about 5.8% lower than the average salary in the San Francisco area.

The cost of living in the Oakland area is also high, but not quite as steep as in San Francisco. The median home value in the Oakland area is $659,100, which is about 44.6% lower than the median home value in the San Francisco area.5

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Average annual salary: $195,620

$195,620 Number of CRNAs: 1,430

The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan area is the third highest-paying area for CRNAs in the country. CRNAs in this area earn an average salary of $195,620 per year, which is about 6.1% lower than the average salary in the San Francisco area.

The cost of living in the San Jose area is also high, but not quite as steep as in San Francisco. The median home value in the San Jose area is $849,400, which is about 28.5% lower than the median home value in the San Francisco area.6

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Average annual salary: $192,070

$192,070 Number of CRNAs: 130

The Santa Cruz-Watsonville metropolitan area is the fourth highest-paying area for CRNAs in the country. CRNAs in this area earn an average salary of $192,070 per year, which is about 7.5% lower than the average salary in the San Francisco area.

The cost of living in the Santa Cruz area is also high, but not quite as steep as in San Francisco. The median home value in the Santa Cruz area is $758,700, which is about 35.7% lower than the median home value in the San Francisco area.7

San Rafael, CA Metropolitan Division

Average annual salary: $189,550

$189,550 Number of CRNAs: 280

The San Rafael metropolitan division rounds out the top five highest-paying areas for CRNAs in the country. CRNAs in this area earn an average salary of $189,550 per year, which is about 8.4% lower than the average salary in the San Francisco area.

The cost of living in the San Rafael area is also high, but not quite as steep as in San Francisco. The median home value in the San Rafael area is $857,100, which is about 27.7% lower than the median home value in the San Francisco area.8

To summarize, the five highest-paying areas for CRNAs are:

San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA Metropolitan Division: $209,290

Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Division: $196,470

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $195,620

Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $192,070

San Rafael, CA Metropolitan Division: $189,550