Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing anesthesia services across diverse settings. As the healthcare provider shortage in the U.S. worsens and costs continue to rise, hospitals and health systems increasingly rely on CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists to fill the gap alongside anesthesiologists. For this reason, the past few years have seen a spike in demand for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and a corresponding increase in compensation. Will the trend continue? A look at the current data suggests demand is not slowing down, so if you are in the market for a new CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job, the outlook is strong.
Market Trends Driving CRNA/Nurse Anesthesiologist Demand
Several factors are contributing to the rising demand for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. First, a disproportionate number of physician anesthesiologists are retiring, just as new technologies and an aging population are driving up demand for surgeries. The Association of American Medical Colleges has long predicted a looming shortage of physician
anesthesiologists (along with physicians of almost every specialty). However, when surgeries resumed following the pandemic-driven hold on elective procedures, it became apparent that the shortage had already arrived. Hospitals and health systems turned to locum CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists to keep ORs running. The need for qualified anesthesia providers grows as surgical volumes increase, particularly in outpatient settings.
Key Drivers of Job Growth:
- Increase in surgeries: An aging population, coupled with advances in medical technology, is driving demand for surgeries—which require qualified anesthesia providers.
- Growth of outpatient facilities: Outpatient surgery centers have seen significant growth, increasing the need for anesthesia providers in non-hospital settings.
- Provider shortages: With the declining number of physician anesthesiologists, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists are stepping in to fill critical roles, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Cost pressures: Rising costs and reimbursement issues drive hospitals and health systems to find ways to reduce overhead—such as leveraging the skills and expertise of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists while keeping the number of physician anesthesiologists to a minimum.
- Retirement projections: About 12% of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists say they plan to retire by 2027, which will create additional job opportunities.
Compensation Trends
When surgeries resumed after the COVID-19 shutdown, hospitals and health systems, desperate to get ORs running again, began paying unprecedented rates to locum CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. When some became aware of how much they could earn as contractors, many left for temporary work, exacerbating the shortage. Organizations then recognized the need to pay full-time CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists more, leading to across-the-board compensation increases.
The pace of these increases was not sustainable, however, and despite the ongoing demand for providers, the sense that organizations are in bidding wars seems to have calmed. Anecdotal evidence from the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search suggests that organizations are now looking beyond compensation as they attempt to retain CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists long-term, offering flexibility, support, and improved work-life balance.
While the dramatic spike in 2020 has largely corrected, CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists still earn more than any other advanced practice providers. Salaries have steadily risen in recent years, with additional premium pay opportunities for locum tenens roles.
Factors Affecting Earnings:
- Geographical variations: Due to critical demand, those in rural or underserved areas may command higher salaries.
- Specialization: CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists trained in complex procedures, such as cardiovascular or pediatric anesthesia, may earn a premium.
- Overtime opportunities: Full-time roles often include overtime pay, further boosting annual earnings.
- Higher contract rates: Locum Tenens CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists typically earn higher hourly or daily rates. According to Locum, compensation can reach $250,000 or more annually for those who take on consistent locum assignments. However, locum roles generally lack long-term benefits like retirement plans or paid time off.
Full-Time vs. Locum Tenens: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Choosing between a full-time or locum tenens position depends on professional and personal priorities. Full-time roles offer the stability of a guaranteed income, and employers typically provide comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, not to mention a sense of community and teamwork, are more likely in permanent positions.
On the other hand, locum tenens CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist work has a higher earning potential and allows providers to choose from a variety of settings and locations. The ongoing exposure to diverse clinical environments can build a broader skill set and make a candidate more marketable. The flexibility to decide when and where to work can be
desirable.
While locum tenens roles can be lucrative, new graduates and those seeking career stability will likely benefit more from starting in permanent positions. Over time, these roles can pave the way for locum opportunities later in their careers.
Tips for New Graduates Entering the Job Market
Demand for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists is high, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy to find a new job—especially for recent graduates. Keeping an open mind and being willing to expand the job search radius can help uncover more opportunities.
Start your online job search with Motion, a cutting-edge career exploration platform powered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Apply to jobs that meet your criteria, but also reach out to recruitment firms to discuss opportunities that align with your career goals. Carefully evaluate each job to ensure you’ll have the support and exposure needed to grow your career in the desired direction.
The Future is Bright for CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists
The CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job market offers abundant opportunities fueled by growing demand for surgeries and provider shortages. Rising compensation trends reflect the critical value CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists bring to healthcare teams. At the same time, diverse career options allow professionals to chart their own course in pursuit of both personal and professional goals.
The CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job market offers abundant opportunities fueled by growing demand for surgeries and provider shortages. Rising compensation trends reflect the critical value CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists bring to healthcare teams. At the same time, diverse career options allow professionals to chart their own course in pursuit of both personal and professional goals.
If you are seeking you first CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist job or a new opportunity, AANA Motion is the official career platform of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. It allows you to see all the relevant practices in your preferred area so you can be targeted in your job search. If you prefer more personalized recruitment assistance, reach out to the team at Jackson Physician Search–the only recruitment firm endorsed by the AANA.