Top 5 States for Locum Tenens CRNAs by Salary

Why Become a Locums CRNA?

• Locums CRNAs earn 30-50% more than staff counterparts.
• Focus on patient care.
• Hand-pick gigs that align with your interests.
• Take time off between contracts.
• Avoid getting stuck in a bad culture.
• Impress a facility? They’ll often recruit you full-time—on your terms.

Locum Tenens Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Salary Guide [2025]

The locums CRNA market is hotter than ever, with top earners pulling in around $250/hr or $500,000 annually—yet most professionals don’t realize how much their skills truly command. Whether you’re a new grad considering your first contract or a seasoned provider tired of hospital politics, this guide will show you:

• Real salary breakdowns
• Where to earn peak rates (hint: it’s not just California)
• Insights into current and future demand

Ready to start earning what you’re worth? Let’s dive in.

Locums CRNA Salary Guide

1. Nationwide Locum Tenens CRNA Salary Average
2. Top Locums CRNA Salaries by State
3. Top CRNA Job Postings
4. How to Become a CRNA
5. Why Become a Locum Tenens CRNA?
6. FAQs about Locum Tenens CRNAs

Nationwide Locum Tenens CRNA Salary Average

Nationwide, locums CRNA’s earn $200/hour. That translates into about $8,000 for a 40 hour work week, or $416,000 for a 52-week year of 40-hour work weeks. However, locums CRNA rates vary by state.

Top Locum Tenens CRNA Salaries by State

The top five states for locums CRNA salaries are Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts and Alaska. The top earning state, New York, offers a salary that is 12.5% higher than the national average.

Top CRNA Job Postings

Looking for a temporary CRNA position? We have you covered. Anesthesia OnCall will match you with the right opportunity anywhere in the United States. Browse nationwide open jobs on our website, or reach out to one of our recruiters today!

Ready to take the next step?

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How to Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Becoming a CRNA is a rigorous but highly rewarding process—and if you’re considering locums CRNA work, you’ll need the same rock-solid foundation as permanent practitioners. Here’s your roadmap:

Schooling

1. Bachelor’s Degree (BSN or Equivalent)
   • Start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)—or an accelerated program if you have a degree in another field.
   • Load up on science courses (chemistry, anatomy, physiology)—they’ll pay off in CRNA program admissions.
2. ICU Experience (1-5 Years)
   • Work in a high-acuity ICU (SICU, MICU, CVICU).
   • Locums CRNA Bonus: Diverse ICU experience makes you more adaptable—a huge asset for locum or locums’ roles.
3. CRNA Program (3-5 Years)
   • Enroll in an accredited DNP/DNAP program (transitioning to DNP/DNAP-only by 2025).
   • Expect 60-80 hour weeks of didactic coursework + clinical rotations.

Licensing & Requirements

1. Pass the NCE (National Certification Exam)
   • Administered by the NBCRNA—85% first-time pass rate (study hard!).
   • Travel Implication: Some states have NLP licensing; plan ahead if you want multi-state flexibility.
2. State Licensure
   • Having a current, unrestricted license in the state you are applying for a CRNA program is a must.
3. Optional (But Smart) Credentials
   • ACLS/BLS: Required for entering a program. 
   • PALS: Useful if you want to practice pediatrics.
   • CCRN: While not mandatory, it’s a strong credential.

Why Become a Locums CRNA?

Becoming a locums CRNA isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about maximizing your earning power, flexibility, and career growth in ways traditional roles can’t match. Here’s why top anesthesia providers are taking their skills on the road:

• High compensation: Locums CRNAs earn 30-50% more than staff counterparts—often $400,000-$500,000 a year.
• No hospital bureaucracy: Focus solely on patient care (reduced mandatory meetings and committee work).
• Choose your assignments: Prefer cardiac cases? Level I trauma? Pediatric anesthesia? Hand-pick gigs that align with your interests.
• Control your schedule: Take time off between contracts (unthinkable in most staff roles).
• Avoid toxic workplaces: Unlike permanent staff, you’re not stuck in a bad culture.
• Build a national network: Impress a facility? They’ll often recruit you full-time—on your terms.

Interested in locum tenens CRNA roles? Reach out to a specialized recruiter at Anesthesia OnCall for a perfect match! 

FAQs about Locum Tenens Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

What is the highest pay for a locums CRNA?

The highest-earning locums CRNAs typically work in high-demand locations like Washington, New York, and Alaska,  and can earn between $400,000-$500,000 annually, especially when taking on overtime or specialized assignments. 

For example, a 26-week contract in Alaska might offer $220 per hour plus housing stipends, putting yearly earnings at the upper end of that range.

Can I make 400k a year as a locums CRNA?

Yes, most locums CRNAs command around $200/hr across the country, meaning you can easily earn up to $400,000 without extra shifts or a specialty. 

Can you live comfortably as a locums CRNA?

Without a doubt. Most CRNA’s easily earn over $400,000 a year. This income level allows for early debt repayment, investments, and financial freedom—whether that means luxury purchases, early retirement, or the flexibility to reduce hours later in your career.

How do people afford to go to CRNA school?

Many future CRNAs rely on a mix of employer tuition assistance, military programs like the Army CRNA scholarship (which covers full tuition plus a salary), and federal or private loans. Some also save aggressively before school or live frugally during their program, since most discourage outside work due to the demanding schedule.

Are CRNAs declining?

For CRNAs, demand remains strong. While some temporary spikes in pay (like during COVID surges) may stabilize, long-term shortages in anesthesia providers—especially in rural areas and expanding surgical centers—keep locums CRNA opportunities plentiful. According to the AANA, demand for CRNAs is projected to rise 38% by 2032. 

Why are locums nurse salaries so high?

Hospitals pay premiums because every unfilled CRNA shift can mean canceled surgeries, which costs facilities tens of thousands per hour in lost revenue. Unlike staff roles, locums contracts don’t include long-term benefits, so higher hourly rates help offset that. The urgency to avoid OR delays means hospitals are willing to pay top dollar for immediate coverage.