APEX Anesthesia Review surveyed 634 CRNAs and SRNAs from all 50 states to understand what is driving compensation, how anesthesia providers are searching for their next role, and what they expect from employers in 2026. The result is a clear, data-backed benchmark designed to help hospitals, anesthesia groups, staffing partners, and academic institutions recruit more effectively, retain top performers, and stay competitive in a tightening labor market.
Top findings
- Compensation continues to rise, with hourly rates concentrating at the top of the market: Among CRNAs reporting an hourly rate, 52% now earn $200 to $249 per hour, and a quarter clear $250. The majority report a year-over-year salary increase, signaling sustained upward pressure on offer ranges.
- No single job platform reaches the full candidate market: One platform leads at 64%, leaving more than a third of CRNAs unreached on the most-used platform alone. Employers relying on a single channel are missing significant portions of the qualified workforce, making multi-platform sourcing essential.
- Locum, 1099, and flexible work arrangements have moved into the mainstream: Nearly one in four respondents (23%) works locum or 1099. Schedule control, benefits transparency, and work-life balance now factor into offer competitiveness as heavily as base compensation.
Download the full 2026 CRNA Career Report
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