What’s the best way to get paid fairly as a CRNA in 2026? Should you go 1099 and travel, or stay in a steady perm role with benefits?
We hear these questions all the time especially from CRNAs weighing burnout, flexibility, and financial goals. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is data.
This guide breaks down CRNA salary by job type—travel, locum, and permanent—and shares real insights into what affects your rate, what’s negotiable, and how to make decisions that align with your goals.
Understanding CRNA Salary in 2026
The CRNA market is tight. Demand is high, competition is fierce, and pay has never been more variable. Depending on your job type, you might see:
| Job Type | Estimated Pay Range | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Travel CRNA | $150–$250/hr or $250k–$300k annually (1099) | Often contracted through agencies or directly with facilities. High autonomy. Usually short-term. |
| Locum Tenens | $150–$250/hr or $230k–$280k annually (1099) | Temporary or per diem coverage. Varies widely based on call, geography, and availability. |
| Permanent (W2) | $95–$120/hr or $190k–$240k annually | Includes benefits, PTO, insurance, 401k. Less flexible but more stable. |
The pay isn’t just about the number—it’s about the full picture: autonomy, travel expectations, hours, benefits, and taxes. Let’s get into it.
Travel CRNA Salary: What to Expect
Travel CRNA roles have exploded in popularity over the last few years. With nurse anesthetists increasingly seeking flexibility and higher rates, travel jobs offer a compelling path—but not without tradeoffs.
What’s typical?
- $150–$250/hr is common for 1099 travel roles in high-demand regions
- Some contracts include stipends for housing, meals, and mileage
What to watch for:
- Travel reimbursements can vary or be bundled into your rate
- Short-term contracts might not guarantee hours
- Agencies take a cut—be clear about what’s being offered
If you’re comparing multiple options, the CRNA Salary Calculator can help you run apples-to-apples comparisons.
Locum CRNA Salary: The Middle Ground
Locum tenens jobs are often confused with PRN roles, but they’re not quite the same. While both are typically 1099 and temporary, PRN can be:
- Local or regional (driveable)
- Filled on short notice or long-term contract
- More variable in pay due to urgency or shift needs
Average locum CRNA pay:
- $150–$250/hr in most regions
- Some facilities offer higher rates for in-house call or weekend coverage
- Rural Midwest and Mountain West tend to pay more
With Lokum, you can filter for locum jobs or flag opportunities that don’t meet your rate expectations—without revealing your name.
Permanent CRNA Salary: What Stability Pays
W2 employment isn’t always the flashiest option, but for many CRNAs, it provides the right balance of consistency and benefits. And in a few states, perm roles are catching up in pay.
Typical W2 comp packages include:
- Base salary of $190,000–$240,000
- Employer-covered health insurance, malpractice, CME
- PTO, retirement match, license renewals
Where it pays more:
- California, Oregon, and parts of the Northeast
- Groups offering call or flexible scheduling may bump base rate
The key is transparency—and that’s where our tools come in. Lokum’s job cards show when it’s an agency, what the schedule looks like, and we offer in-app direct chat to streamline the process of vetting whether the opportunity is for you.
How to Compare CRNA Job Types Effectively
Whether you’re comparing permanent CRNA salary to a travel contract or weighing your first 1099 role, here’s a practical checklist:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Pay Rate | What’s the hourly or annual equivalent? What’s guaranteed? |
| Taxes | Are you W2 or 1099? Do you need to set aside for taxes? |
| Benefits | Is health insurance included? Retirement? PTO? |
| Credentialing Time | How fast can you get started? |
| Schedule | What’s the call burden? Is there autonomy? |
| Travel | Is housing included or supported? |
With Lokum, you can create a profile, set your preferences, and get personalized matches that fit your rate, schedule, and contract type. You can also upload a watermarked resume for better control without delaying the name clear process.
Tools to Help You Navigate CRNA Pay Choices
At Lokum, we’re building tools to help you stay in control:
- Salary Calculator: Compare rates by location, shift type, and employment model
- Compensation Map (coming soon): See what other CRNAs are earning near you
- Anonymous Job Signals: Show interest without committing
- Direct Messaging: Skip the phone tag
- Onboarding Tracker: Know where you are in the process
- Mobile Access: Stay updated on the go
It’s all part of our goal to simplify your career navigation and bring transparency to every offer.
Ready to Explore or Contribute?
If you’re navigating salary decisions—or just curious what your peers are making—Lokum is your starting point.
Use the Salary Calculator to benchmark your worth, or keep an eye out for our upcoming CRNA Salary Map to contribute data and unlock insights. Every data point helps improve visibility for the entire community.
CRNA Salary FAQs
What’s the average CRNA salary in 2026?
Most CRNAs earn between $205,000–$280,000 annually depending on employment type. See our full CRNA Salary Guide for the breakdown.
Is travel CRNA pay higher than permanent?
Yes—travel and locum roles (usually 1099) tend to pay more per hour, but lack benefits. Review our post on Locum vs Permanent CRNA Salary to compare pros and cons.
How can I find CRNA jobs that meet my pay goals?
Start with the Career Compass. We distill salary insights, feature real CRNA feedback, and help you take the next step with clarity.
Built by CRNAs, for CRNAs. Lokum helps you find the right fit—without the guesswork.