Locum vs Permanent CRNA Jobs

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) generally practice in one of two broad employment models: permanent staff positions or locum tenens assignments. While both paths involve delivering anesthesia care, the structure, expectations, and long-term implications of each can differ significantly.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on individual priorities, career stage, lifestyle needs, and tolerance for variability. This guide provides a balanced comparison of locum and permanent CRNA jobs to help clarify the key differences.

Job Structure Differences

The most fundamental distinction between locum and permanent CRNA roles lies in how the work is structured.

Employment Model

Permanent CRNA positions involve ongoing employment with a hospital, surgery center, anesthesia group, or healthcare system. These roles are typically salaried or hourly and include defined job responsibilities, schedules, and reporting structures.

Locum tenens CRNA roles are temporary assignments, often contract-based, where a CRNA fills a specific staffing need for a defined period of time. Assignments may be coordinated through staffing agencies or arranged directly with facilities.

Stability

Permanent roles generally offer greater long-term stability, including predictable income, consistent coworkers, and continuity of practice environment.

Locum work, by contrast, involves periodic transitions between facilities and assignments. While this can offer variety, it may also introduce uncertainty related to scheduling and income continuity.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is often a major factor when comparing locum and permanent CRNA jobs, but it should be evaluated holistically.

Pay vs. Benefits Tradeoff

Locum CRNAs frequently earn higher hourly or daily rates than permanently employed CRNAs. These rates reflect the temporary nature of the work and the absence of traditional employee benefits.

Permanent CRNA positions typically include benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and disability coverage. While base pay may be lower on an hourly basis, the total compensation package can be substantial.

When comparing compensation, it is important to consider net income rather than headline pay rates alone.

Schedule & Lifestyle

Work schedules and lifestyle impacts differ meaningfully between locum and permanent roles.

Predictability vs. Flexibility

Over time, the cumulative impact of schedule structure can influence stress levels, family planning, and overall job satisfaction. CRNAs who value routine often gravitate toward permanent roles, while those who prioritize autonomy may accept the tradeoffs of locum scheduling.

Permanent CRNA jobs often provide predictable schedules, consistent case volume, and established routines. This predictability can be beneficial for long-term planning and family life.

Locum work emphasizes flexibility. CRNAs may choose when and where to work, accept assignments selectively, and take extended breaks between contracts. However, this flexibility may come at the cost of routine and long-term predictability.

Personal preferences around structure and autonomy play a major role in determining which model is more appealing.

Career Growth & Skills

Both locum and permanent roles can support professional development, but in different ways.

Breadth vs. Depth

Locum CRNAs are often exposed to a wide range of practice settings, anesthesia models, and case mixes. This breadth of experience can enhance adaptability and broaden clinical skills.

Permanent CRNAs may develop deeper expertise within a specific practice environment, including leadership roles, committee involvement, and long-term quality improvement initiatives.

The choice between breadth and depth depends on individual career goals and professional interests.

Which Is Better for Different Career Stages

Career stage can influence whether locum or permanent work is a better fit.

New Graduates

Most new graduate CRNAs begin in permanent positions to build clinical confidence, establish routines, and receive mentorship. Locum opportunities for new graduates may be limited due to experience requirements.

Mid-Career CRNAs

Mid-career CRNAs may pursue locum work for increased flexibility, variety, or relief from burnout. Others prefer the stability and leadership opportunities of permanent roles.

Pre-Retirement CRNAs

Later-career CRNAs sometimes transition to locum work to reduce long-term commitments while maintaining clinical practice. Short-term assignments can offer continued engagement without the obligations of permanent employment.

Summary Comparison Table

The following table provides a high-level comparison of locum and permanent CRNA roles:

Locum and permanent CRNA jobs each offer distinct advantages and challenges. The better option depends on individual goals, lifestyle preferences, and tolerance for change.

Some CRNAs remain in one model throughout their careers, while others move between locum and permanent roles as their priorities evolve. Understanding the tradeoffs between these paths allows CRNAs to make informed, intentional career decisions at each stage of professional life.