Introduction: Why This Matters for CRNAs
In a job market as volatile and competitive as the CRNA market, compensation transparency isn’t just a “nice to have”…it’s often the deciding factor between applying and walking away.
We ran a nationwide survey asking CRNAs whether pay rates should be visible on job cards. The results were clear, and the implications are bigger than just numbers. Obscuring pay offers up front have an almost universally negative influence on how your job offer (and even your entire organization is perceived. This blog breaks down what we learned—and why it matters for CRNAs, employers, and the future of anesthesia staffing.
📊 What We Asked CRNAs
Lokum App recently launched a brief survey to understand how CRNAs feel about visible pay rates on job listings. We asked:
- Should pay rates be shown up front?
- What’s your reaction when rates aren’t listed?
- Would visible pay rates make you more or less likely to apply?
- Do you prefer to negotiate with pay visible or hidden?
🔎 What the CRNA Survey Revealed
💬 83% of CRNAs said they prefer seeing pay rates upfront.
When asked why, one CRNA summed it up best:
“It saves everyone time. If it’s not even in the ballpark, why bother?”
Many noted that not showing pay makes employers look less trustworthy—especially in a profession where the market is so heated.
💬 70% said not listing rates makes them less likely to apply.
CRNAs shared that it creates a sense of hesitation or skepticism. As one provider put it:
“If a job looks good but hides the rate, it makes me wonder what else they’re not being upfront about.”
💬 Even those open to negotiation prefer having a starting point.
Interestingly, some CRNAs emphasized they want to negotiate—but not from zero. Seeing the initial offer gives them something to respond to:
“Show me the number. I might negotiate, but I need a place to start.”
🚫 Why Some Employers Still Don’t Show Pay
We hear this often from hospital and group administrators:
“If we list a rate, we lose the opportunity to sell the CRNA on the benefits that aren’t as obvious. We want to talk first.”
Or,
“Posting a number can scare people away before we have the chance to explain the context.”
This hesitation is understandable. It’s also misaligned with how today’s CRNAs evaluate jobs. Transparency doesn’t close the door on negotiation but rather it builds trust before negotiations start.
Our Take: CRNAs Require Pay Transparency
Lokum App was designed by CRNAs, for CRNAs. We’ve spent the past year building tools that give providers the ability to communicate what they’re looking for in this market. Compensation transparency is a key part of that.
What’s Next from Lokum App
We actively working with our employer clients (Healthcare Partners) to help them improve their offers because better transparency leads to better offers, which leads to better matches. And we’re not just guessing. We’re using provider feedback and real-world data to educate our Healthcare Partner clients on how to attract top CRNA talent.