The Market’s Hot, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Simple
CRNAs have never been more in demand. According to the new Locumsmart 2025 Market Trends Report, CRNAs topped the platform across every metric: more shifts, more spend, and more facility requests than any other specialty.
But here’s the catch: more jobs doesn’t mean better jobs. And with decision fatigue setting in for a lot of providers, it’s more important than ever to know how to spot what’s worth your time.
Let’s walk through the key trends and how you can use them to your advantage.
What CRNAs Should Know About the 2025 Locums Market
CRNA Shifts and Spend Just Hit a New Peak
Anesthesia shifts posted to the Locumsmart platform jumped from 66,473 in 2023 to 78,641 in 2024, with CRNA demand accounting for over 26,000 of those. CRNAs are the fastest growing segment of the Locum Tenens market.
And it’s not just quantity, it’s investment. CRNA roles represented $95.1 million in spend, up from $58.4M the year prior. That’s a 62% increase in what hospitals are paying agencies to find you.
CRNAs are the top specialty by spend and shifts, beating out MDs, surgeons, and everyone else.
What that means for you: Hospitals are under pressure. They need CRNA coverage to keep ORs open and case volumes flowing. The lack of a central marketplace for locums services means the cost of finding CRNAs will continue to be a huge pain point for facilities. It’s time for them to consider new models. More about Lokum App (the matchmaking engine that connects CRNAs with opportunities more directly) later.
Time to Fill Is Shrinking. The Window to Act Is Too.
In 2023, the average locums job took 167 hours to fill. In 2024? Just 146 hours. Some assignments are closing within 48 to 72 hours of going live.
That’s 20 fewer hours of negotiation runway. Gone.
What that means for you: The market is moving fast. Hospitals aren’t waiting around. If you’re sitting on an offer thinking, “I’ll get back to them in a few days,” it might already be too late.
Faster fill times mean more than just efficiency. They signal a market where urgency is replacing optionality. And when decision fatigue hits, the CRNAs who know what they want and stay on top of responses are the ones who land the offer.
State-Level Spending Tells a Bigger Story
States like Texas, California, Florida, and New York lead in total spend, but growth is happening outside the big metros too. Rural and midsize markets are paying more and making faster decisions.
Facilities in Texas alone accounted for 16% of total CRNA spend.
What that means for you: Staying tied to one region or one hospital system might cost you. If you’re open to short-term commitments or cross-state work, you’ll see better offers.
Here’s What Smart CRNAs Are Doing Right Now
- Clarifying their red lines. Don’t wait until you’re mid-negotiation to realize weekend call is a dealbreaker.
- Tracking pay AND process. Not every job that fills quickly is a good job. Ask the right questions. When fill times are shrinking and demand is sky-high, hospitals may prioritize speed over competitiveness. Some roles with lower rates are being filled fast not because they’re great, but because hospitals are pushing them through large networks or moving fast out of desperation. Additionally, CRNAs who are already in a local talent pool will usually be prioritized.
- Getting your filters and paperwork ready—before the right job drops. CRNAs using Lokum App with specific preferences and an up-to-date profile—including licensure, CV, and state availability—are matching faster than those who browse passively or wait to upload documents later. Even if you’re not actively applying yet, Lokum App helps you organize your materials so you’re ready when the right match hits.
How Lokum App Keeps You Ahead of the Curve
We’ve always built Lokum App around one idea: jobs should find you, not the other way around.
With demand up and noise rising, here’s what makes the difference:
- Match Alerts Based on Preferences – You tell us what works; we flag jobs that fit for you. Set it and forget it.
- Built-In Chat – Message the facility directly or work with our exclusive agency partners. Either way, you’ll know the opportunity you’re discussing was initiated by you. No need to screen out recruiter calls and texts.
- Rate Visibility Available – Because guessing is a waste of your time.
- AI Salary Calculator – We’re bringing pay transparency to the industry. So you know what’s competitive right away.
Let’s Make This Market Work for You
The CRNA job market is moving. Fast. But that doesn’t mean you need to chase every opportunity or settle for less.
Learn the market. Set your preferences. Get matched
We’re watching the market shift. We’ll help you make a move when it counts.