CRNA Locum Tenens Pay 2026: Hourly Rates, Contracts, and What to Expect

Locum tenens CRNA work is one of the most lucrative and flexible career paths available to experienced anesthetists. In 2026, CRNA locums pay ranges from $200/hour for standard hospital coverage to $400+/hour for short-notice, rural, or call-heavy assignments.

This guide covers current locums pay rates, how contracts are structured, what expenses are typically covered, and who locums work is best suited for.

CRNA Locums Hourly Rates by Setting (2026)

Locums vs. Employed CRNA: The Financial Comparison

The apparent hourly rate advantage of locums is real, but the comparison is more nuanced than it looks. Employed CRNAs receive benefits that add 25–35% to the value of their base salary:

After accounting for benefits and self-employment taxes, locums CRNAs need to earn roughly $50–$80/hour more than their employed counterparts to break even financially. At current locums rates, most experienced CRNAs still come out well ahead.

What Expenses Are Typically Covered?

Reputable locums agencies typically cover:

• Travel: Flights or mileage reimbursement to and from the assignment
• Housing: Either agency-arranged housing or a housing stipend ($120–$200/night equivalent)
• Rental car or transportation allowance
• Malpractice insurance for the duration of the assignment (verify it's occurrence-based, not claims-made)
• Licensure fees for states you're being placed in

How to Get Started in Locums

Step 1: Make sure you're ready

Most locums agencies prefer CRNAs with at least 2–3 years of post-graduation experience. You need to be comfortable practicing with minimal orientation and adapting quickly to new facilities and team dynamics. Locums CRNAs are expected to be productive quickly — this isn't the environment for learning on the job.

Step 2: Get your credentials in order

• Active NBCRNA certification
• DEA registration (federal and potentially state)
• ACLS, PALS (if working with pediatric patients)
• State license in your home state — and be prepared to get additional licenses

Step 3: Register with 2–3 locums agencies

Don't limit yourself to one agency. Different agencies have relationships with different facilities, and pay rates can vary significantly for the same assignment. Major CRNA locums agencies include Weatherby Healthcare, CompHealth, Integrity Locums, and VISTA Staffing Solutions. Getting on multiple rosters gives you negotiating leverage.

Step 4: Negotiate the rate — not just the number

The hourly rate is one piece. Also negotiate:

• Housing allowance amount and type
• Whether you work call and at what rate
• Minimum hours guarantee per week
• Cancellation policy (if a case is cancelled, do you still get paid?)
• License reimbursement for new states

Who Is Locums Best For?

Locums CRNA work is ideal if you:

• Want geographic flexibility and the ability to work where and when you choose
• Have 3+ years of experience and can function independently in new environments
• Want to earn aggressively for a defined period (paying off student loans, saving for a home)
• Are considering retirement or reducing clinical hours and want to control your schedule

Locums is less ideal if you:

• Have young children or significant family ties that make frequent travel difficult
• Prefer the stability of a benefits package and predictable schedule
• Are early in your career and still building your clinical confidence

The Dual-Track Strategy

Many high-earning CRNAs use a dual-track approach: maintain an employed position for benefits and stability, while taking locums assignments on off days, weekends, and vacation time. A CRNA earning $250,000 employed can add $50,000–$120,000 annually with 5–10 locums days per month at $300/hour.

See also: CRNA salary by state 2026 and CRNA moonlighting and side income guide.