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With about 57,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) delivering anesthesia care in hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialty clinics nationwide, the demand for Nurse Anesthetists has never been stronger. And it's only growing. Employment for CRNAs is set to jump by 38% through 2032, far faster than other careers. So, what does this mean for you? Let's dig into the latest on job demand, salary trends, and where the biggest opportunities are for CRNAs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, now’s the time to explore what a thriving market can offer you.
As a CRNA, you're at the forefront of anesthesia care—bringing specialized skills to settings like hospitals, surgery centers, and private practices. CRNAs aren’t just crucial to the OR; they’re often the primary providers of anesthesia in rural communities, covering more than 80% of anesthesia care in these areas. And on top of making a significant difference, your career is financially rewarding. Here’s a look at seven reasons why the outlook for CRNAs is better than ever.
The CRNA field keeps growing, especially with the ongoing shortage of anesthesia providers across the country. Rural areas feel this need the most. Hospitals and clinics are actively seeking skilled CRNAs to fill these gaps, creating a wealth of job opportunities for those with the right training and certifications. For you, this means more choices and career stability since your skills are in high demand.
CRNAs enjoy some of the highest earning potential in nursing, with an average median salary of $212,650 per year, or around $102 per hour, according to the latest data. This pay far surpasses most other nursing roles, and it reflects the advanced skills and expertise required in anesthesia care. Becoming a CRNA involves a commitment to higher education—at least a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) today, and soon a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) by 2025. The investment in education certainly pays off, making CRNA one of the most lucrative paths in healthcare.
CRNAs are seeing more autonomy than ever, with over 25 states now allowing independent practice—no physician oversight required. This shift means CRNAs have more control over their work and can make a bigger impact, whether in hospitals, outpatient centers, or private practices.
In rural and underserved areas, CRNAs often serve as the primary anesthesia providers, filling crucial gaps in patient care where providers are scarce. And as more private practices and outpatient facilities turn to CRNAs for their anesthesia expertise, the opportunities for independent and impactful work continue to grow. Although supervision requirements vary by care model, that means CRNAs have a variety of settings to choose from when determining preferred practice environment.
As a CRNA, you have the freedom to work in diverse settings—hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and even physicians’ offices. This flexibility lets you find the environment that fits your lifestyle and goals, from rural hospitals to fast-paced urban centers. Plus, the CRNA role is expanding, so you’re not only providing care but can also step into leadership, teaching, or even specialized areas like pediatric or obstetric anesthesia.
Another advantage is the variety of care models CRNAs work within, each offering a different level of independence and collaboration:
CRNA-Only Model: In this model, CRNAs work independently without anesthesiologists. You’re responsible for planning and delivering all anesthesia care, often found in outpatient centers, physicians’ offices, and rural hospitals for services like obstetrics, pain management, and general surgery.
Collaborative Care Model: Here, CRNAs work with anesthesiologists, consulting with them as needed but maintaining significant independence. You’ll plan and provide care, billing as an independent provider, which gives you both autonomy and support when you need it.
Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) Model: In this team-based approach, an anesthesiologist supervises 2-4 CRNAs, meeting specific requirements to bill alongside CRNAs. This model is common in larger hospital systems where the level of supervision can vary based on workload, resources, and staffing needs.
These models allow CRNAs to choose the practice style that best suits their skills and career goals, whether that means working independently or in a team. With locum tenens options available as well, CRNAs can explore a range of environments without long-term commitments, adding even more variety to their career path.
As a CRNA, your career can flex and adapt to fit different life stages and interests, giving you a unique level of control. You can explore specialties, step into leadership, or take on locum tenens assignments to experience various settings and locations. Locum tenens work is especially valuable if you’re interested in a flexible schedule, supplemental income, or the chance to work in diverse clinical environments to discover what you enjoy most without a long-term commitment.
Beyond clinical roles, CRNAs often choose research, teaching, or administrative positions. Opportunities in academia or research allow you to shape the future of anesthesia care, whether through leading studies or teaching new CRNAs. With the ability to shift roles, locations, and even focus areas, a career in nurse anesthesia is uniquely versatile, supporting your professional growth and personal fulfillment.
For many CRNAs, finding a solid work-life balance is one of the best parts of the job. With options for part-time, full-time, and locum tenens positions, you can create a schedule that fits your lifestyle, whether it’s spending more time with family, traveling, or avoiding a rigid 9-to-5 routine. Locum tenens roles are especially appealing for those who enjoy short-term assignments in various locations, allowing you to experience different settings and choose when and where you work.
A career as a CRNA offers not only job satisfaction but also impressive stability. With the steady demand for anesthesia providers—driven by an aging population, new medical procedures, and expanding access to care in underserved areas—CRNAs can count on a secure and lasting career.
The crucial role that CRNAs play in anesthesia care means they’re highly valued across the healthcare system, adapting well to changes in the field and remaining essential in a variety of settings. This stability, along with the ability to work in different environments, allows CRNAs to enjoy both job security and career longevity in a field that shows no signs of slowing down.
A CRNA career offers the unique chance to work locum tenens, allowing you to experience different healthcare settings, gain valuable experience, and maintain a flexible schedule. Partnering with a provider-centric staffing agency like Caliber helps you find assignments that align with your goals, whether it’s exploring new practice environments or filling critical gaps in care where you’re most needed—all while earning competitive pay.
If you’re curious about how locum tenens could fit into your career, reach out to a recruiter at Caliber to learn more about the opportunities available to you.
